Stadiums Returning to Full Capacity is the Boost Irish Sport Needs

By Sam Curtin  Stadiums have been given permission to operate at full capacity since last Friday as the latest easing of restrictions occurred.The news comes as a major boost and the injection of life that all sports in the country need in what is a crucial couple of months ahead on and off the pitch. It also provides fans with a massive psychological lift as for many, going to games is not only their weekly highlight, but a way of life.SoccerOne sport that certainly needs fans on seats is soccer with both domestic and international hitting its climax next month. The League of Ireland has always toed a fine line between stable and financial ruin with all clubs relying on gate receipts to survive. For the past couple of months, stadiums have been operating at 50% capacity which would be no more than 2,500 for most clubs. The latest news means that clubs can now prepare plans for next season knowing that their main form of income is guaranteed, and that players/ staff can be paid.As for the national team, every game for Stephen Kenny has been a referendum on his suitability, until now. September marked the first time, the Boys in Green were able to play in front of fans, 25,000 of them at that but the atmosphere made it feel like 50,000 which arguable signalled a vote of confidence from supporters. In the latest game against Qatar, tickets sold out within minutes which is unheard of for a friendly against second tier opposition. With that in mind, the game against Portugal next month in front of 50,000 fans could be a special night for Kenny and an occasion to remember.As for the women’s team, their profile is at an all time high. Vera Pauw’s side will get the opportunity to play in front of a full house at Tallaght against perennial contenders Sweden in the first game of the World Cup qualifiers. If they can produce their own piece of magic in front of 7,000+ fans then the profile of the team could sky rocket and inspire more young girls to take up the sport around the country.RugbyOne could argue that rugby is the sport in most need of a return to full stadiums. Last year, outgoing IRFU CEO Philip Browne, said that the existence of professional rugby in Ireland could be in jeopardy if crowds were kept away. Thankfully, this has not come to pass, and the coffers should be filled handsomely with three tests against Argentina, Japan, and the big draw of the All Blacks coming to Dublin next month. Combine this with full houses through the four provinces and suddenly things aren’t so bleak.While both soccer and rugby may reap the most reward due to the immediate fixtures taking place, all outdoor sports will receive a much-needed boost. One major sporting event which is due to be held in Dublin is the European Cross-Country Championships which take place on the 12th of December. The latest easing of restrictions will provide a huge boost to the profile of the events with tens of thousands of fans now being able to attend the event and watch the biggest stars in European athletics compete.Another major sporting event taking place on November 4th will see a huge boost as Bellator in the Three Arena appears to have been given the green light to go ahead. The MMA event will be held indoors with no fixed capacity although the existing safety measures will still apply. This is one of the biggest nights ever in Irish MMA with two no.1 contender fights involving Irish fighters take place. The national basketball leagues have also just gotten up and running and so full houses will be welcome to a sport which has been one of the worst affected by the pandemic. Basketball is the fastest growing sport in the country and while the momentum may have stalled temporarily, it promises to be an exciting season of action.Overall, a full return of crowds should hopefully lead to a healthy looking 2022 and beyond as the recovery out of the pandemic begins to happen. Above all else what should happen is, a remind of how important sporting occasions are in Irish society and I for one, cannot wait for my first day out at Turners Cross, Pairc Uí Chaoimh and so on.