200 Fans Would Be Allowed Into Our Tampines Hub Stadium for a S’pore Premier League Match As a Pilot

To all the dedicated fans of the Singapore Premier League (SPL, previously known as S-League) out there…

You may soon be in for a real treat.

200 lucky fans will be allowed to attend an SPL game from inside the stadium on 5 December 2020…

A notion that has not been permitted since 14 March, when matches were officially set behind closed doors, much like your Sunday soccer games with your NS kakis.

200 Fans Would Be Allowed Into Stadium for a SPL Match As a Pilot

A maximum of 200 fans – 150 home and 50 away – will be able to watch the match between Tampines Rovers and Geylang International this Saturday at Our Tampines Hub.

The move is part of a pilot for local football fans to enjoy the live atmosphere of a game safely.

In a Facebook post, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong said: “This is part of a pilot for fans to enjoy a live match experience in a safe manner.”

He also shared the fans’ excitement at the prospect of witnessing a local team take the crown this season.

“I know this will excite many SPL fans out there, especially since we could see a local team being crowned SPL champions for the first time since 2014!”

To ensure optimal safety, all fans will have to go through mandatory Covid-19 testing and safe-distancing measures.

They have to take a free antigen rapid test (ART) at the venue at three staggered timings – between 2:15 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – before the match starts at 5:30 p.m.

According to the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), latecomers may not be able to enter the stadium.

The Singapore Premier League

Also known as the AIA Singapore Premier League, the Singapore Premier League was rebranded in 2018, and currently serves as the top-flight Singaporean professional league for association football clubs.

The 2020 SPL kicked off on 29 Feb this year, with crowds of over 2,500 viewing matches between Albirex Niigata and Geylang, and Tanjong Pagar and Lion City Sailors.

However, due to the pandemic, only six matches were played before games had to be shifted indoors as a preventative measure.

The season was also halted from 27 March, and only resumed on 17 October after several changes were made to the competition rules.

Should the pilot be successful, it could mean the permanent return of fans next season.

“While they have been able to follow the action through the live broadcasts, nothing can replace the feeling of cheering your team on in the flesh from the stands,” said FAS President Lim Kia Tong.

“Of course, it is imperative that they adhere strictly to all the necessary measures to ensure the safety of themselves and others present.”

Interested fans can purchase tickets online at fas.org.sg/tickets.

Featured Image: Arief Basuki / Shutterstock.com