'Come and go as you please'
Faced with empty stands and waning fan interest, Cricket World Cup 2007 today announced that fans attending ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 matches, starting with the Super 8s in Barbados and Grenada, will be able to come and go as they please from match venues.While they will now be able to re-enter stadia on Match Days, they will have to ensure they are aware of the revised policy which will guide how this activity is undertaken.
"As spectators leave the stadium they will be reminded to have their match ticket on them and will receive a device – yet to be determined by each LOC – which indicates that they have left the venue," said World Cup managing director Chris Dehring.
"When the spectators come back, they would first show both their match ticket and re-entry device and then go through the same security procedures as when they first entered the venue," Dehring added.
"They must show BOTH their match ticket and re-entry device to be allowed back in to watch the match."
The first match at which this will be in effect will be the West Indies' clash with South Africa on Tuesday April 10 at Grenada National Stadium. Thereafter, it will be the norm for the remainder of the Event which ends April 28 with the Final in Barbados.
"Certain procedures must be put in place for this revision to take effect and the LOCs need time to make the necessary changes. As a result, this could not be immediately facilitated in Antigua & Barbuda and Guyana.
"However, we are confident that everything will be ready for implementation come next Tuesday and that the public will pleased with this adjustment," Dehring said.
Regarding the change, the CWC Managing Director said "CWC has taken into consideration the concerns of fans and other stakeholders" but reiterated that 'no re-entry' is a standard policy for world-games and other sporting events as a safety and security measure.
"There have been instances where, when re-entry was permitted at various events in the past, fans have returned to venues in an unfit state, having gone outside and consumed significant amounts of alcohol.
"I'm sure I don't need to elaborate on the potential consequences of such actions in those circumstances and CWC trusts that – in the spirit of ensuring matches remain safe and enjoyable for everyone – spectators who make use of the revised policy will do so in a responsible manner," he said.
Meanwhile, Dehring also took the opportunity to stress that there has never been any policy restricting fans from bringing food into match venues.
"West Indian foods are culturally a huge part of the cricketing experience in the Caribbean and we would never seek to take that away. Fans can and have been coming to games with their food and we welcome this.
"What has been said is that fans need to be aware of the Prohibited & Restricted Items list which outlines various conditions. For instance, once whatever bags or backpacks are brought, can hold under a person’s seat, that’s fine. Once cooler bags are collapsible and are the required size dimensions (no larger than 12”X12”x12”), that’s fine also. Food can be brought in plastic containers and bags, paper plates, foil wrap, hard-paper boxes – anything like that. It can’t be brought in glassware.
"There has never been any restriction against food. I want to urge all fans here and now, especially West Indians: bring your food and come! Some great cricket is being played across our region and we want to see you there."