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The impact of Covid-19 on design and operations

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After the Covid 19 pandemic, the need for investment in sport is higher than ever, but the coffers are empty. The session on Thursday afternoon of the IAKS Congress shows approaches to solutions based on greater involvement of the private sector and more effective multi sector collaboration. Using the National Rugby League (NRL) in Australia as a practical example, experts will show which changes from the Covid 19 crisis can be transferred as new elements for the design and operation of stadiums.

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photo: Populous

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Shaun Dawson, Chief Executive, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, United Kingdom

Funding challenges for both public and private projects in elite sport and grass root development

Post the Covid pandemic the need for investment in sport and physical activity to improve public health (physical and mental) has never been greater. However in the UK and no doubt other countries, the economic impact caused by the pandemic and the subsequent strain on public funding is resulting in a reduction in the funding of these vital services. Do we need to look afresh at how sport and leisure facilities are funded, delivered and managed? This session will explore new models which include a greater emphasis on the role of the private sector and more effective multi sector collaboration.

Senior Principal - Populous

Al Baxter, Architect, Populous, Australia

Covid-19 safe re-opening of venues and its legacy for design and operations

Covid-19 significantly changed the way live sport events operated globally in 2020 (and continuing in 2021). One of the first sports competitions in the world to allow spectators back was the National Rugby League (NRL) in Australia. This talk will look at the ways in which Populous assisted the venue operators in Australia change the way they operated their stadiums to safely allow spectators back to NRL games. Similarly, it will discuss the areas of change that will remain as a legacy to the design and operations of stadia beyond Covid-19.

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