AUDIENCE IS LIMITED TO 3,500
The Dutch government has confirmed that the May 18 Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam will proceed with a limited audience under strict conditions that ensure the health and safety of fans, crew, press and participants.
A maximum of 3,500 audience members will be allowed to enter the arena, which is approximately 20% of Rotterdam Ahoy’s capacity.
All audience members must adhere to the strict health and safety protocols put in place by the Dutch government through their Fieldlab events programme.
Martin Österdahl, Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor, said: ‘We are happy that the Dutch authorities have enabled us to welcome audiences at the three live shows and six dress rehearsals in Rotterdam in the safest possible way, given the current circumstances.
‘The world will be watching when we bring back the
Eurovision Song Contest and, as millions enjoy the competition on TV and online, we are pleased that the hard work of the artists, delegations and crew will also be shared with a live audience in the Ahoy arena.’
An extensive Covid-19 protocol is already in place for crew, press and artists, which has been tested by international agency SGS, the world leader in inspection, control, analysis and certification.
The numbers have been scaled down considerably. Delegations are much smaller and most journalists will follow the Eurovision Song Contest from home this year in the online press centre. By testing everyone in Rotterdam Ahoy every 48 hours and getting artists to move within ‘Safe Harbour’ zones, organisers are hoping these stringent measures keep coronavirus out as much as possible.