2021 Olympics to Allow Local Fans

In the latest sign that the world is ready to move past the COVID-19 pandemic, Japanese officials and the IOC announced Monday that they would allow some local fans to attend the upcoming Summer Games in Tokyo which had been postponed. We are dying to be in the crowd for the first official Olympic break dancing event.

Capacity will be limited to 50%, up to a maximum of 10,000 fans per venue.

The decision, which was made collectively by local organizers, the Japanese government, the government of metropolitan Tokyo, the IOC, and the International Paralympic Committee, goes against the advice of the country’s top medical adviser, Dr. Shigeru Omi.

Omi said last week that the safest way to hold the games would be without fans in the stands.

“Regardless of holding the Olympics or not, Japan has continuing risks of a resurgence of the infections that puts pressure on the medical systems,” he said during a news conference last week.

Only 6.5% of Japanese residents are fully vaccinated, and 16.5% have at least one shot, according to the Prime Minister’s office.

Although the plan is to move forward with fans, things could change if conditions take a turn for the worst.

“If a state of emergency is necessary, I will be flexible and open to no fans in order to achieve that the games give top priority to safety and security for the people,” Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said. ”In case of a state of emergency, it is quite possible … for safe and secure (games) I will not hesitate to have no fans.”

Suga has been a vocal proponent of allowing fans to attend the games.

Tokyo Governor Yukiro Koke echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments.

“Under this COVID-19 pandemic, people in Tokyo, people in Japan, are feeling very uneasy. We have concerns and the experts are also making recommendations about the risk of spreading the infection,” he said. “If there should be a major change in the sanitary situation, or infection situation, we need to revisit this matter among ourselves and we may need to consider the option of having no spectators in the venues.”

Fans have been told that they will not be allowed to cheer, must wear their masks at all times, and must go straight home after the event in an effort to prevent fan outbreak. 3.7 million tickets have been distributed, according to local organizers.

Government officials have a significant financial interest in having fans in the stands.

According to USA Today, the official cost of the games is $15.4 billion (but it’s believed to be twice as much). Revenue from ticket sales goes to local organizers, and, while Tokyo 2020 had originally budgeted $800 million, they will not meet that number without people in the stands. If there is a shortfall, it will have to be made up by the Japanese government, which in turn will further increase the cost of the games.

The Tokyo Olympics are set to begin July 23, and will run through August 8.