Photo by Renith R on Unsplash NEWS Covid-19 Causes Issues at Australian Open by Inesh Chari February 18, 2021 This year, the Australian Open started three weeks later than it usually does because of Covid-19 restrictions. Other Grand Slam tennis events, like the U.S Open and Wimbledon have either been canceled or not open to spectators. The French Open allowed only 1,000 spectators a day. The 2021 Australian Open was different, because, it allowed up to 30,000 spectators per day. This is 50 percent of the normal capacity. This event was a glimpse of what life could be like after Covid, having 50 percent capacity at this event is quite a lot compared to other sporting events during covid-19. Super Bowl LV attendance was about 5,000 less than the attendance of a tennis match at the Australian Open. Allowing so many spectators didn’t last because of an increase in Covid-19 cases. Lockdown in Victoria causes Australian Open to close for Spectators The State of Victoria entered a 5-day lockdown on February 12, 2021, to prevent the spread of new Covid-19 cases. No one except the Tennis players and those involved in the match was allowed to be at the stadium. This lockdown wasn’t long after those 5 days spectators were allowed back. February 18, 2021, was the first-day spectators can visit The Australian Open again, but at a limited capacity capped at around 7,000 spectators. Spectators and fans are necessary to sports, without them sports, wouldn’t be popular. It’s motivating for athletes to perform in a stadium full of their fans. It is also fun going to sports events too. The Australian Open was close to normal, but we are still far from it. Post Views: 344 The following two tabs change content below.BioLatest Posts Inesh Chari Living in Watchung, New Jersey and a senior at the University of Rhode Island majoring in Communication Studies. Latest posts by Inesh Chari (see all) French Officials Identify Over 400 Sports Figures Suspected of Sexual Violence - April 5, 2021 Michael Jordan Could Change the Future of Nascar for the Better - March 30, 2021 Whoop Rewards Employees With $100 Each Month To Sleep - March 22, 2021 High School Announcer Spews Racist Remarks Towards Girl’s Basketball Team for Kneeling During Anthem - March 15, 2021 Related TopicsAustraliaaustralianopenCOVID-19SportsTennis Newsletter Subscription Can't Miss Posts! Women in Sports: NHL Network Host, Jackie Redmond by Nicholas Durst | posted on March 4, 2019 Passion For Sports Led Kelly Burke To Career As Broadcaster by Sunil Sunder Raj | posted on November 16, 2020 Women in Sports: Podcast Host, New York Riptide Sideline Reporter, Dani Wexelman by Luke Porco | posted on March 3, 2020 Women in Sports: Ariel Epstein, On-Air Host at SportsGrid (VIDEO) by Anthony Paradiso | posted on March 12, 2021 CBI to Utilize Experimental Men’s Basketball Rules Including Use of Quarters by Media Release | posted on March 9, 2017 More in NEWS French Officials Identify Over 400 Sports Figures Suspected of Sexual Violence Sixty people have faced criminal proceedings, and over 100 have been remove from their... Tim Peel is Discharged After Caught on Hot Mic Tim Peel was Discharged from the NHL After He was Caught on the Hot... Lebron James Leaves Coca-Cola To Sign With Pepsi Lebron James Leaves Coca-Cola To Sign With Pepsi To Be The Face Of Mountain... WNBA Rolling Out Red Carpet For Upcoming 25th Anniversary Season The WNBA’s 25th season also marks the debut of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup. You Know I’m Right, Episode 82: NBC’s Mary Carillo (Audio/Video) Novak Djokovic Wins his 18th Grand Slam Title at Australian Open