More "plans for fans" as Hansa Rostock announce concept
Planning concepts aimed at ensuring the safe return of live fans to Bundesliga matches continue. Developments are moving at a brisk pace. Today, third-tier side Hansa Rostock indicated that they might allow in a limited audience for a September 13th DFB-Pokal clash.
East German club RB Leipzig proceeds with plans to allow up to 8,500 into their opening Bundesliga match against 1. FSV Mainz 05 on September. According to German footballing magazine Kicker, other clubs mulling over whether to experiment with limited crowds on opening day include Eintracht Frankfurt and both capital clubs, Hertha BSC and 1. FC Union Berlin.
The first weekend of the Bundesliga season is typically preceded by a so-called “soft opening” in the form of the first round of the DFB-Pokal. Today it was announced that Hansa Rostock, another Eastern team, will attempt to emulate Leipzig’s model in their round-one DFB-Pokal clash against VfB Stuttgart.
Third-tier Rostock is slated to square off against the recently promoted Baden-Württemberg side on September 13th. A state cabinet meeting next Tuesday will determine whether hosting Rostock can receive clearance from both the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Sports and Health Ministries to proceed with a plan to allow up to 8,000 spectators into the Ostseestadion for the match.
The Rostock concept mirrors that of other clubs in that only local season ticket holders will be allowed in. State Chancellor Heiko Geue (SPD) revealed in an evening press conference that the participating clubs are considering additional social distancing measures within the stadium. As is the case with many of the working concepts, alcohol sales inside the venue will be prohibited.