Social distancing no longer expected at snooker as Crucible capacity increases
The World Championship's a pilot to get fans back at events
Last updated 22nd Apr 2021
Efforts to get fans back to sport and entertainment step up a gear in Sheffield today as more spectators are welcomed to the Crucible.
The theatre's playing host to a government pilot event during the World Snooker Championship.
So far it's been up to a third full - today that goes up to a half and means people won't be expected to socially distance.
Next Tuesday the capacity will be upped to 75 percent and then for the final at the start of next month the theatre could be full.
Catherine's one of the fans who've been along to the snooker this week - she says it's gone well:
"It's been managed well just having a few in. We've had two negative tests to get here and you've got to have another two after. It is a good process if it works.
"I don't think I'd want to be in there full just yet because it is a test. But I think having empty seats between you it does make you a bit safer."
Every fan has to show a negative lateral flow Covid test result before being let in.
A testing site at Sheffield Hallam Uni's been used which is being run by staff and student volunteers.
Ellie Hunter's an International Events Management student who's been helping - she tells us it's a great experience:
"In a few years' time there's going to be people who say: what did you do during the pandemic? Being able to say I did the first indoor testing for an event, I feel like that's going to be really good.
"It's such a good thing to see that things are starting to open up again - I'm graduating in a few weeks' time so knowing that events are going to be taking place is such a huge thing for me personally. And doing the testing here just makes sure it's working well."
Richard Calvery's Deputy Vice Chancellor at Sheffield Hallam University:
"This facility has been largely run by our students. Some of them are our health students, others are actually students on different courses who've been trained up.
"And I think it's really nice for them to feel like that they're contributing not just to keeping the university going but actually contributing to this great event for the city.
"It's great for the city, it's great for the university and it's really good for our students as well. Right through the pandemic we've seen how people across the city have come together to support each other. I was on campus myself the last couple of days and it's great to feel there's a bit more life coming back into the city."