JUST 4000 fans will be allowed on Mount Panorama for each day of the Bathurst 1000 and camping has been banned after the NSW Government signed off on a COVID-safe plan for the nation's premier motoring event.
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The announcement comes just 24 hours after the NSW Government eased restrictions on crowds at major Sydney sporting stadiums, where up to 40,000 fans will be allowed to watch end-of-season NRL matches next month.
The few tickets available for this next month's Bathurst 1000 will first be offered to fans who had already bought tickets before sales were suspended last month.
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Existing ticket holders will have access to a 24-hour pre-sale window which begins at 12pm on Tuesday, September 22 and the entire allocation is expected to be quickly snapped up.
Reserved seating will only be available at the bottom of the Mountain at Murray's Corner, Hell Corner, Pit Straight East and Pit Straight West, with no fans allowed at the top of the Mount this year.
Race organisers have resisted limiting ticket sales only to residents of the Central West despite some lingering concerns within the Bathurst community over the potential for race fans from hotspot areas to bring COVID-19 to the region.
Supercars last week presented its COVID-safe plan to key stakeholders including Bathurst Regional Council, emergency services and health authorities.
Supercars CEO Sean Seamer thanked council and the NSW Government for their support in preparing the plan.
"Whilst we are disappointed that we can't have a full crowd at Bathurst, we're delighted to offer even limited attendance," Mr Seamer said.
"A race track like Mount Panorama is not as easy as a stadium to prepare in a COVID-19 compliant way due to the lack of dedicated seating."
Bathurst mayor Bobby Bourke said the city was happy to welcome even a limited number of fans to the race.
"Council is pleased that the 2020 event is able to proceed and while it will look very different to previous years with limited crowd numbers, we appreciate the work that has gone into planning for a COVID-safe event by Supercars and the various government agencies," Cr Bourke said.
"The Bathurst 1000 is an iconic event worldwide and to be able to proceed in 2020 is a credit to all involved."
Key ticketing details
- Up to 4000 reserved seating tickets will be available per day of the October 15-18 event.
- Reserved seating only available at the bottom of Mount Panorama.
- No public camping.
- No access to paddock area/back of garages throughout event for patrons.
- No autograph sessions with drivers.
- No access to top of the Mountain.
- Existing ticket holders will be given two options; either roll over their 2020 ticket which will be valid for the 2021 event or request a refund as per the normal Ticketek refund process.
- Existing ticket holders will be offered an exclusive pre-sale window to purchase reserved seating tickets to the newly designated areas from 12pm on Tuesday, September 22.
