CONFERENCE NEWS CASE STUDY :
EMIRATES OLD TRAFFORD HOSTS INTERNATIONAL CRICKET DURING LOCKDOWN
In June 2020 – at the height of the global Coronavirus pandemic – Emirates Old Trafford was selected by the England and Wales Cricket Board ( ECB ) as one of two UK venues that would host a behind-closeddoors Test Match Series against the West Indies .
This was an unprecedented challenge that would see the venue transform its operational procedures to create a biosecure environment and host the first elite International sporting competition following the outbreak of COVID-19 .
With pressure on the ECB to salvage the summer ’ s International Cricket schedule – critical to securing £ 200 million in broadcast revenues for English cricket in 2020 alone – Emirates Old Trafford became the centrepiece venue within their plan .
As it became clear during Spring that there ’ d be little chance of supporters returning for the start of the season , the venue ’ s Operations Team began preparing for the possibility of behindclosed-doors events and compiled 50- page proposal outlining how the venue could operate a bio-secure bubble .
This proposal outlined how Emirates Old Trafford would utilise the 150- room four-star Hilton Garden Inn hotel situated within the grounds , plus over 700 car parking spaces and interconnecting bridges , to demonstrate to the ECB how it would create a safe environment for both teams and all stakeholders .
Emirates Old Trafford staff worked around the clock to implement safety measures across the venue aimed at protecting the 300 plus people – including players , support staff , media , operational and technical teams – who were on-site for every minute of the fixtures .
In an eight-week window ahead of the fixtures , the Operations Team completely re-drafted its Risk
Assessment documentation and Standard Operating Procedures for all departments .
The venue ’ s dedicated COVID-19 officer carried over 100 fresh Risk Assessments outlining , amongst others ; rigorous daily deep cleaning measures ; PPE provision for all players and staff on-site ; social distancing and one-way signage installation ; introduction of zoned access areas ; ventilation surveys carried out on every room in the venue ; increased hand sanitisers at every touch point ; provision of temperature checks , health questionnaires and daily COVID-19 testing .
All internal departments went above and beyond to make the venue secure and comfortable for guests . From catering teams delivering daily menus for all guests , to ground staff preparing the pitch and events teams making sure daily testing protocols were carried out . The objective was clear : ensure that the proper procedures were in place to minimise the risk of infection and enable the Test Matches to be completed .
To that end , the ECB undertook 702 COVID-19 tests between June 3 and June 23 with several stakeholder groups working at the Test Match venues , with all 702 tests registering as negative .
Having successfully delivered the two Test Matches against the West Indies , Emirates Old Trafford was entrusted with hosting further fixtures against Pakistan and Australia , meaning a record 21 days of cricket were played at the ground in total this summer .
Off the back of the Summer ’ s events , Emirates Old Trafford launched Safe in One Place - a campaign with the goal of helping UK venue operators as the events industry prepares to return . The initiative centred on sharing insights , guidance and bestpractice with event operators who underpin a £ 70bn industry and help them bounce back from the devastating effects of COVID-19 .
Testimonials
Andy Burnham , Mayor of Greater Manchester :
“ We are all very proud of the team at Emirates Old Trafford for the work they have done to turn it into a safe and secure venue . As a city-region , we pride ourselves on the diverse number of major events we host and getting this industry back up and running is of huge importance , because we need to bring people back into our towns and cities to support our local economy .”
Steve Elworthy , Director of Events at the England & Wales Cricket Board :
“ Everything has been taken into consideration , from the food service , social distancing , flexible spaces , venue access , the hygiene factors with the red dot system to indicate high touchpoints . The level of detail that the team have put in is phenomenal . It will give people confidence that they can step into a venue where there has been every safety precaution taken to keep them safe and secure .”