Tokyo 2020 Spectator Capacity Determined

(ATR) Spectator limits are set at a 50 percent capacity or a maximum of 10,000 people at all venues for Tokyo 2020 competitions.

The numbers were determined on Monday during the latest gathering of the five parties comprised of the IOC, IPC, Tokyo 2020, Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Government of Japan. The figures have been determined in accordance with the government’s current restrictions on public events in Japan.

"In order to conduct safe and secure Games for all of Japan, there will be strong coordination and cooperation with local governments to ensure the guidelines will be followed," Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto said, addressing media at a news conference about the spectator limits and other related countermeasures.

Fielding a question about reports that 20,000 fans would be permitted for the opening ceremony, Tokyo 2020 chief executive officer Toshiro Muto said a number has yet to be finalized.

"We are now studying that number and I cannot say any concrete number, but I think the number will be less than 20,000," Muto said. "The stakeholders are counted separately, from the limit of the 10,000," he added.

However, it was also noted that further restrictions, including competitions without spectators, could be implemented based upon a state of emergency or other COVID-19 measures being implemented at any time after July 12. There are 32 days until the Tokyo Games open on July 23.

In the event of any rapid change in infection status and in the capacity of Japan’s health care system, another five-party meeting will be promptly called to consider additional measures.

"We acknowledge that there is a uncertainty with the situation around the pandemic – it there is another state of emergency during the Games, all the options, including no spectators will be examined by the stakeholders," Hashimoto said

Guidelines set for spectators include wearing masks inside venues at all times; speaking loud or shouting is prohibited; congestion should be avoided and any announcements related to must be adhered to and visitors should leave venues in a staggered manner. It has yet to be finalized if alcoholic beverages will be sold during events.

Hashimoto also expressed concern about fans congregating in bars and restaurants after competitions. Spectators are requested to travel directly to venues and return home immediately afterwards.

The Tokyo 2020 president also informed that the current competition schedule remains unchanged.

Ticket holders in Japan have been granted the opportunity to ask for refunds because of the one-year postponement of the Games.

Tokyo 2020 organizers said on Monday that 840,000 tickets had been refunded so far, out of a total of 4.48 million sold through the initial lottery. Because of the new limits, a second lottery procedure will be conducted to reduce the number of spectators to 2.72 million, according to Muto.

As a result, some 910,000 ticket holders will lose their chance to see the Games. Additional details about the second lottery will be made available on July 23.

"It will be a big inconvenience for the ticket holders who have been waiting, so apologies, but we would like to ask for your understanding," Hashimoto said.

Muto said the revenue from ticket sales would amount to less than half of the projected $817 million (90 billion yen). The organizers will discuss with the national and Tokyo governments on how to make up for the losses.

It was further noted that the relevant Japanese parties intend to consider either cancelling or significantly reducing the scale of any live sites and public viewing events to minimize the congregation of people, review other Games-related events and develop new safe and secure means of cheering for and encouraging athletes.

It was also informed that school spectator programs will not be counted toward the 50 percent or 10,000 maximum figures.

The IOC advised that the global health system will continue to be closely monitored in Japan and abroad, including the various coronavirus variants, and if necessary additional sufficient action will be taken.

Tokyo organizers said a decision on spectator limits for the Paralympics will be made by July 16. Those Games begin on Aug. 24.

Written and reported by Brian Pinelli

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