This archive report was first published on 12 July 2020.
Published on July 12, 2020, by Reuters
Union Berlin, a top-flight German soccer club, is taking drastic measures to fill its stadium with fans once again. The club plans to pay for coronavirus tests for all staff and 22,012 season ticket holders to ensure a safe and crowded experience.
Most of the world's stadiums have been empty for months due to social distancing regulations. However, Union Berlin is determined to bring back the ambiance of giant crowd gatherings.
Germany's top-flight Bundesliga resumed playing matches in May, but with strict distancing rules that restricted attendance to just a handful of officials, reporters, and camera operators.
Union Berlin's Old Forestry stadium has been a hub for soccer fans, and the club is willing to carry the costs of implementing the necessary measures to bring back the fans.
"Our stadium experience doesn't work with social distancing, and if we aren't allowed to sing and shout, then it's not Union," said club chair Dirk Zingler in a statement.
Coronavirus tests cost around $40 in April, but prices have been falling and available quantities rising as the world gets to grips with the pandemic.
By testing all staff and season ticket holders, the club could ensure that only people who are not carrying the virus come into contact with each other. Fans would have to show a ticket and a negative test result less than 24 hours old on entry.
The plan has yet to be approved by city authorities.
