Last weekend saw Emerald Headingley Stadium re-open their gates fully to spectators with over 20,000 sporting fans returning to the famous venue for rugby and cricket matches as the Yorkshire CCC and Leeds Rhinos look to rebuild their businesses after the pandemic lockdown.
On Friday night, Leeds Rhinos welcomed Salford Red Devils to Emerald Headingley with 10,515 in attendance which was followed on Saturday by the eagerly anticipated debut for The Hundred competition and the arrival of the Northern Superchargers women and men’s teams with a crowd in excess of 10,000 there to see the epic clashes with Welsh Fire.
Commenting on the successful weekend, Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington said: “It was so heartening to see our fans back at Emerald Headingley on Friday. After sixteen months of no or restricted crowds it finally felt like we were taking our first steps towards a return to normality. So much work has gone on behind the scenes to make sure that all our fans are as safe as possible on match nights with additional measures in place to allow spectators to help us make the whole night go as successfully and smoothly as possible.
“We understand after such a long time away that some fans will have concerns about returning to live sport however we have taken steps to re-assure everyone. As an example, we have reserved areas that are less crowded that fans can request to be moved to and have one way systems, cashless facilities and extra sanitation stations situated all around the stadium,” added Hetherington.
Mark Arthur, The Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s Chief Executive said: “It has been fantastic welcoming supporters back to Emerald Headingley in their droves over the past couple of weeks.
“Last Saturday, Emerald Headingley staged its first ever matches in The Hundred, as 4,000 supporters watched the Superchargers’ women’s victory, rising to over 10,000 for the men’s thrilling match later that evening. The atmosphere was phenomenal as we welcomed a large number of families to the ground, many of whom were attending their first game of cricket.
“We cannot wait to welcome more supporters back this summer to enjoy the unique experience that Emerald Headingley has to offer.”
