The image of crowded arenas or stadiums where thousands of electronic sports fans were gathering became a memory at the time of the lockdown: but shortly the show will continue. Undoubtedly, something will change, so let's see what can we expect in the near future, based on the information we have collected.
Of course, looking today those images of super-crowded arenas during the main international
eSports events, we risk being attacked by a sense of unease: due to the clear difference with the current rules of social distancing imposed in most countries, due to the
Covid-19 pandemic. In addition to undoubtedly feeling some nostalgia for those times of authentic glory of esports competitions, able to move the crowds, going to create what we now call "gatherings", but which however continue to represent incomparable moments of socialization: always at the base of electronic sports. Although the phenomenon has certainly not stopped during these months of general quarantine, being able to continue through the competitions in online mode, therefore remotely, it is clear that a (strong) piece of this activity is missing, represented by live events.
But nothing is lost, let's face it. And even if live events, as will happen for concerts, fairs and all other "mass" events, will inevitably have to change in their management and logistical organization, they will soon return to shine. Albeit through new ways.
GREEN LIGHT FROM THE MIDDLE OF JUNE - But before seeing how we can go back to play live, let's first understand when. As reported from
eSportsMag.it, the Law Decree n.33 of 16 May 2020 gives the first information, which continues to forbid gatherings of people until 31 July 2020, while
the Prime Ministerial decree with the new measures to contain the epidemiological emergency from Covid-19, in force since May, the 18th, gives a date for the restart of cinemas, theaters and shows: June, the 15th. But nothing will be as before. In the new provisions coming from the government, after the various calls of the music representatives to have a legislation, regarding concerts and events scheduled for this summer, indications arrive that can also be considered valid for the other events that bring many people together, including esports tournaments.
According to the new law text "Shows open to the public in theaters, concert halls, cinemas and other spaces, even outdoor, also remain suspended until 2020, June, the 14th - the text affirms – From 2020, June, the 15th, this shows are held with pre-assigned and spaced seats and provided that the respect of the interpersonal distance of at least one meter is ensured both for the staff and for the spectators, with the maximum number of 1000 spectators for outdoor performances and 200 people for shows in closed places, for each single room".
Of course, according to the agreement signed by the government with the regions, depending on the progress of the epidemiological situation, the governors can stop, postpone or block the activities of the shows. On the other hand, the activities of dance halls and discos, outdoors or indoors, fairs and conferences remain suspended.
THE RULES FOR THE NEXT EVENTS - But that's not all. To ensure that you can access shows, even outdoors, the organizers will have to follow 13 strict rules. It is mandatory to maintain the interpersonal distance of one meter, even among the players. Body temperature measurements must be made for spectators, gamers, workers and any other worker in the place where the competition is held, preventing access in the case of temperatures above 37.5° C.
The use of masks for spectators will be mandatory, as well as the use of suitable individual protection devices by workers operating in shared spaces and in contact with the public: therefore, mandatory precautions for all staff involved in management of a competitions. From technicians to helpers, trainets, etc. The organizers will always have to ensure appropriate periodic cleaning and sanitation of the closed rooms and toilets of all the places affected by the event, even among the different shows held on the same day. Therefore, specific cleaning of all the game stations and hardware used by the players must be provided, with particular attention to the sanitation between one game session and the next, and the change of players. Appropriate natural ventilation and air exchange and compliance with the recommendations concerning ventilation and air conditioning systems are also mandatory.
And again: regulations also require a wide availability and accessibility to systems for hand disinfection. In particular, the systems must be available alongside keyboards, touch screens and payment systems, encouraging if possible all forms of cashless payment. Absolute prohibition of eating and drinking and the retail sale of drinks and food during events and performances. Use of signs to enforce the physical distance of at least 1 meter also at the ticket offices and information desks, as well as outside the places where the races are held. Regulation also (and above all) of the use of toilets in such a way that social distancing is always provided during access. Electronic sale of tickets and access control, if possible, also in order to avoid aggregations at the ticket offices and access spaces to the structures. Communication to users, including through the use of videos, of the safety and risk prevention measures to be followed in the places where the show takes place.
INCREASE OF COSTS - All of this, as is clear, will lead to a significant increase in costs for the organizers of tournaments and esports competitions, who will have to spend more money to ensure that all 13 of the previous points are respected, so that a "live" race open to the public can be run. Those traditionally offered in arenas or stadiums. Therefore, we need to understand whether, after all, between costs and revenues, it will be worth opening or not.
Although some provisions can still be delivered in a sustainable way and so as some cost and also some responsibility can be relieved by the organizers, there is still the need to purchase a series of devices and accessories needed for the fulfillment of the rules as well as having to involve a significant number of additional staff to manage a race and ensure compliance with every prescription. In any case, it is advisable to contact companies skilled in occupational safety or trade associations, to be sure of fulfilling the various requirements in the best way and avoiding problems, taking into account the controls that will be carried out to comply with the rules and penalties provided for by the aforementioned decrees.