Lucerne 2021 opening ceremony closed off to spectators

Organizers for the Lucerne 2021 Winter Universiade revealed the opening ceremony will be a non-ticketed affair with the venue closed off to spectators.

In a press release on ticket sales, Lucerne 2021 stated, “Due to space considerations, no tickets will be sold for the Opening Ceremony, which will be held on 11 December 2021 at the Universiade Park on Europaplatz in Lucerne.”

Instead, there will be a public screening venue at Inseli Park in Lucerne where people can gather together to watch the opening ceremony. It will also be broadcast live by Swiss Radio and Television (SRF).

It was also revealed spectators will need to present event tickets in order to enter any indoor venues and outdoor spectating areas during the Games. Many tickets will be sold free of charge, with a select few costing CHF 10.00. Spectators with tickets for the men’s ice hockey final will be allowed to attend the closing ceremony as well.

Regarding vaccination requirements for spectators, the press release read, “everyone will need a ticket to attend an indoor competition and also to access the spectator areas at outdoor events, and everyone aged 16 or older will also need to present a COVID certificate.” In order to obtain a COVID certificate a person can be recovered, tested or vaccinated.

“This requirement is part of the COVID-19 safety programme developed for the Winter Universiade 2021, and it ensures that all spectators in the aforementioned locations can move about freely without having to wear masks or comply with social distancing rules.”

The 2021 Winter Universiade is scheduled to run from December 11 to December 21. Curling action will begin a five days earlier on December 6. Tickets for the Universiade can be purchased on the Lucerne 2021 website.