Australia sets the example for return of sports fans
Australia is setting the example for British sports stadiums when it comes to getting significant crowds back watching the action. But Manchester, and Britain as a whole, could well have a long wait to enjoy exactly what Aussies are experiencing Down Under.
Australia is setting the example for British sports stadiums when it comes to getting significant crowds back watching the action. But Manchester, and Britain as a whole, could well have a long wait to enjoy exactly what Aussies are experiencing Down Under.
While small numbers of crowds have been permitted to head back into Premier League grounds at clubs not in Tier 3 areas in England, as well as horse racing tracks, the numbers are still minute when you consider Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium pull in more than 50,000 when full.
It seems likely to be a long time off before stadiums are packed to the rafters again. But Australia, parts at least, are already there. Australian horse racing tracks like Randwick and Rosehill Racecourses in Sydney and Flemington and Caulfield Racecourses in Melbourne are being run with the type of crowds that the likes of Cheltenham and Aintree would love.
And sporting venues have had even bigger crowds. A total of 30,000 got to view the AFL Grand Final in Brisbane in October, while 37,303 packed into ANZ Stadium in Sydney the following day for the NRL Grand Final.
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The Bledisloe Cup rugby union clash between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park in Auckland attracted 46,049 spectators in October as the flow of fans back into stadia also extended to across the Tasman Sea too.
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In November, it was a massive crowd of 52,500 that lined Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane for the State of Origin decider between hosts Queensland and rivals New South Wales. Significantly, the partisan home crowd helped their state to victory.
Then in early December, 48,000 packed into the Sydney Cricket Ground for the third and final T20 international between Australia and India.
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New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian and her government permitted 50 per cent capacity, followed by 100 per cent – the 48,000 crowd – with the promise that “life will be very different in New South Wales”. It’s something we can still only dream about.
A further 27,000 a day will be inside the Adelaide Oval for the first test between the two nations too – with the South Australian government still opting for 50 per cent capacity. It will see 25,000 a day inside the MCG in Melbourne for the Boxing Day test with the Victorian government opting not to throw caution to the wind after months of lockdown.
How did Australia get to the point of having full, or near full, stadiums once again? The answer – just as is the case here in the UK – is based on the coronavirus cases. With each of the states reacting incredibly early with lockdowns and severe restrictions on the back of just a handful of outbreaks, they managed to get on top of the outbreak and stay on top of it.
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So what can football clubs, race tracks and the like expect here in Britain to be able to do to follow the Australian example? The simple answer is not a lot until we, as a country, get on top of the outbreak numbers.
Strict quarantine rules on international arrivals and travellers between states in Australia has meant a zero new case count on all fronts. The 0 led to 50,000+ sitting inside of stadium for the first time since pre-March.
While the rules in the UK have been relaxed to let small crowds back, other than those in Tier 3 areas, capacity crowds still look some way off. Perhaps even next year, given just how different the positive case numbers differ between Australia and the entire British Isles.
Premier League fixtures, the Cheltenham Festival, Grand National, even the delayed Euro 2020 look highly likely of taking place with half-empty stadia at best. Until the rest of the world matches Australia’s success in suppressing coronavirus, the roar of a full stadium still looks an awful long way off.
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Be part of the biggest Great Manchester Run ever
Danny Jones
Runners and regular Mancs alike, start lacing up your trainers and sorting safety pins early, because the Great Manchester Run is back for 2026, and you can be part of it.
With sign-ups flying and bibs selling out fast, we really recommend getting a move on and booking your place now to make sure you’re part of what is, without fail, not just one of the most exciting dates on the local sporting calendar, but always a great day for the city in general.
Returning for its 23rd edition and fourth year being backed by principal sponsors, AJ Bell, we can assure it’ll be as well-attended as ever.
In fact, judging by the numbers already and the increasing crowds of spectators every year, this is looking on course to be the biggest Great Manchester Run to date.
The only question is, are you going to help make it the BEST yet by joining the thousands of others already finding the perfect spot to hang their shiny new medal?
Half-marathon, 10k, junior and mini races
As ever, the Great MCR Run isn’t just limited to one event: there are multiple distances, routes and age groups that can race the route in and around the city centre.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day
So, whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day, there really is fun for all ages.
In all seriousness, even watching the massive metropolitan event stood next to the roads with homemade signs promises plenty of atmosphere, but with fancy dress galore, various different activations in the middle of the city, there’s not a chance you’ll get bored.
Even in the years we’ve missed out on running it ourselves (it sold well in advance last year, for instance), the pure buzz we got from joining countless other Mancs cheering from the pavement is enough to keep us coming back time and time again.
All that being said, if you’re looking to sort the perfect Christmas present for a runner, or simply need more reason to give yourself the kick up the backside you’ve been waiting for and just put your name down, this is it.
Besides the full annual marathon in April, running events simply don’t get bigger in this region than this one, so don’t miss out.
Sign up for the 2026 Great Manchester Run right HERE.
Featured Images — Great Run Company/AJ Bell (supplied)
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Wigan Warriors finally reveal next season’s kits following update on delayed release
Danny Jones
Wigan Warriors have now officially revealed their new shirts for next season, following a much-anticipated update regarding the 2026 kits, the release of which had been delayed.
The Greater Manchester club lost this year’s Grand Final but still had a strong season, and with another local outfit having been relegated from the division, they are one of just two teams from the region competing for the title in the upcoming campaign.
However, supporters were fretting that they might not be able to get their new threads until after Christmas due to the launch of the latest merchandise being postponed.
Thankfully, this week, the club not only informed fans that things are getting back on schedule but also officially revealed the Wigan Warriors home and away shirt strips for the 30th anniversary edition of the Super League on Tuesday afternoon.
As you can see, the nearby rugby outfit is staying with Kappa as their manufacturer and, as ever, is sticking with the deep red, white and black colour combos across both jerseys.
Branding the home shirt as the ‘Loyal’ fit and the away one as their ‘Rebel’ version, the kits both feature horizontal stripes and other geometrical variations.
Most notably, Warriors now have a positive update on the status of the kits’ full launch, even if they don’t have an exact timeline just yet.
Writing to fans in an official statement, the club said: “Wigan Warriors are happy to report that [we are] expecting delivery of the 2026 home and away kits imminently.”
They go on to explain that they have been “experiencing significant delays” regarding the supply pipeline, which they say “were beyond the control of the Club.”
Nevertheless, the cogs are moving once again; you can see a closer look at some of the details below.
The home shirt…A.K.A. ‘Loyal’ kitAnd the away jersey…Or ‘Rebel’ strip
Warriors Chief Executive, Kris Radlinski, continued: “We want to thank everyone for their patience and continued support. Due to issues outside of our control, delivery timelines have unfortunately been impacted.
“We understand how frustrating this has been for supporters, particularly so close to Christmas, and we genuinely share that frustration. Please be assured that our team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure delivery as quickly as possible.
“We apologise that we have not been able to provide an earlier update while matters were ongoing. We are pleased to confirm that the delivery has now cleared customs and will be arriving at the Club imminently.”
Although personalisation will not yet be made available due to a focus on processing “as many orders as possible in the shortest time frame”, pre-orders for both shirts are now live, and those interested are being urged to opt for click and collect/visit in store where possible to avoid any further waiting.
The Manc -
21st December 2020 
