International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has been given the green light to increase its capacity for seated events in the Aware Super Theatre.
New South Wales (NSW) Department of Health has approved an increased capacity of up to 2,400 patrons, subject to the ‘one person per four square metre’ rule.
The news comes a week after the venue received clarification that it can host large-scale public exhibitions of any size under the current health guidelines.
On today’s announcement, ICC Sydney CEO Geoff Donaghy said it marks another step towards the event sector’s recovery.
“First and foremost, this is an acknowledgement of the thorough, best practice health and safety standards we have in place here at ICC Sydney,” he said.
“While the majority of our events are traditionally held in larger numbers, this announcement coupled with recent news that ICC Sydney can host uncapped exhibitions and the reopening of the NSW border to Victoria set for 23 November, provides yet more positive steps toward our path to recovery.”
The venue will immediately begin planning for larger theatre events, the first of which will be Carols in the Domain.
In order to maintain physical distancing within the theatre, which can accommodate 8,000 people at full capacity, ICC Sydney will sell tickets in a checkerboard seat pattern with a minimum two-seat gap between groups.
All events will continue to be delivered in line with ICC Sydney’s EventSafe Operating Guide, which integrates parent group ASM Global’s Venue Shield program.
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