Patrons will be back at GIANTS Stadium this weekend.

The GIANTS are pleased to confirm patrons will be back at GIANTS Stadium this Sunday when the 2020 AFL Premiership Season resumes.

Based on submissions made last week, the GIANTS have received approval by the NSW State Government to host a limited number of patrons, including members, in function areas at GIANTS Stadium, starting with the club’s round two home game against North Melbourne on Sunday, June 14.

The approval is based on the NSW State Government’s regulations relating to pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes that came into effect on June 1.

The club expects to host a total of 350 people across numerous function rooms with a number of members to be selected to watch the GIANTS’ first AFL game in over 12 weeks.

GIANTS Chief Executive Officer, David Matthews, said the club had worked hard to ensure patrons could return to GIANTS Stadium as soon as possible.

“Following the State Government’s decision to amend the regulations relating to restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs, we have been intent on providing the opportunity for a number of patrons to attend our first game back at GIANTS Stadium,” Mr Matthews said.

“The safety and wellbeing of our people has been the club’s number one priority during this period and there will be a range of strict measures put in place to mitigate any risk to our patrons. We will be working with the necessary authorities, the AFL and the RAS to ensure GIANTS Stadium complies with the State Government’s protocols.

“Obviously our primary aim is to allow members and fans back to GIANTS Stadium on a large scale but given this isn’t possible at the moment we see this as a positive first step.”

GIANTS Chairman Tony Shepherd thanked the NSW State Government, the AFL and the RAS following today’s announcement.

“We thank the New South Wales State Government, the AFL and the Royal Agricultural Society for signing off on an outcome that ensures many of our long-term partners and members can be deeply involved in the return of the AFL Season,” Mr Shepherd said. 

“We are delighted we are able to host several of our most loyal members and corporate partners now that the AFL season is back under way.”

The club will provide members with details of the selection process for a limited number of members to attend the round two match against the Kangaroos at GIANTS Stadium in due course.

The GIANTS play North Melbourne at GIANTS Stadium on Sunday, June 14 at 1:05pm.

How will GIANTS Members will be selected to attend Round 2, GIANTS v North Melbourne at GIANTS Stadium?  
 
The GIANTS have shared this initial exclusive and limited opportunity to members who have actively pledged to Never Surrender and committed 100% of their 2020 membership to the club. Members will be given the opportunity to register their intent to attend the game. The GIANTS will then select at random, members to attend Sunday’s match. If you are a GIANTS member who is yet to actively pledge their membership and wish to do so, you can below. Members must be over the age of 15 to attend the match on Sunday.  

The safety and wellbeing of our people has been the club’s number one priority during this period and there will be a range of strict measures put in place to mitigate any risk to our patrons. We will be working with the necessary authorities, the AFL and the RAS to ensure GIANTS Stadium complies with the NSW State Government’s protocols. One such regulation will see patrons subject to a brief health questionnaire and assessment upon entry. Anyone deemed a health risk may be refused entry at the discretion of GIANTS Stadium staff under advice from First Aid officers.  

The GIANTS are committed to welcoming as many members as possible to games over the course of the 2020 AFL Season. We are hopeful we will be able to see larger numbers permitted to our home games in due course so in turn we can provide this opportunity to all categories of members. The club will continue to work closely with the NSW Government and the AFL to push for increased member attendance and we’ll be sure to provide you with any updates and changes to selection criteria as soon as possible.