500 viewers: "A value that we can work with"

For a long time fear was the order of the day, but meanwhile the upper league is also part of the federal program “Coronahilfen professional sport”.

This is welcomed by the top division club EC Peiting - as well as the "trial run" with a certain number of spectators.

Peiting - When Peter Gast says something about ice hockey, he's not just doing it as managing director of EC Peiting.

He also acts as the spokesman for the Oberliga Süd.

And as such, he is pleased that the third division now also has the opportunity to apply for bridging aid.

Up to 80 percent of lost viewer income will be replaced upon request.

The EC Peiting has already filled in the documents, said Gast yesterday.

"We'll send them away soon."

It is absolutely important that in addition to DEL and DEL2, the Oberliga (North / South) has also been included in the federal program “Coronahilfen Professional Sport”.

“Otherwise a league operation cannot be maintained,” says Gast.

Any help is "necessary for survival, and indeed for every club".

EC Peiting: 20 percent occupancy means 500 spectators

Since the major league is now also a professional league, the provisions of the six-week trial run, on which the federal states agreed on Tuesday for indoor sports, also apply.

The halls may be occupied up to 20 percent of their capacity - this applies to nationwide team sports with more than 1000 spectators.

For the Peitinger ice rink this means: “We are allowed to let 500 people in,” said Gast.

The upper limit for 200 spectators in a hall that was promised last week in Bavaria “applies to amateur sport,” explains Gast.

The regulation is "a first light at the end of the tunnel and a value that we can work with", ECP chairman Thomas Zeck is quoted in a statement.

Team manager Gordon Borberg adds: "At least 500, even if that means a loss for us with an average of over 700 spectators."

EC Peiting: Personalized ticketing means a lot of effort

The hygiene concept that EC Peiting developed for the ice rink is geared towards 650 spectators.

The fact that fewer are allowed for the time being "is perhaps not bad," says the ECP managing director.

Because getting everything done in accordance with the rules "is very, very time-consuming".

Among other things, personalized tickets are required.

How the EC Peiting will regulate this in detail is currently being worked out.

A club meeting took place yesterday, Wednesday.

There is also a question mark behind the behavior of the audience.

If someone has concerns about going to the stadium, "then you have to understand that too," says Gast.

It is important that every club strictly adheres to its hygiene concept.

“Nobody should be able to accuse us of anything,” says Gast, referring to the entire league.

“Health comes first,” he emphasizes.

EC Peiting: Hope to increase the number of viewers in six weeks

The general rule is: “We are happy that we can play,” says Gast.

The fact that the government cannot prematurely lift all restrictions on viewership in view of the danger posed by Corona is "also clear," says Gast.

If the trial run goes well and everything works out there, “then in six weeks we will certainly be able to let in more spectators”, the ECP official is certain.

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Managing Director of the EC Peiting and spokesman for the Oberliga: Peter Gast.

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It is not yet clear whether the season start of the major league can actually take place on October 16 - as previously aimed.

On Thursday there will be a video conference by the association and league and club representatives.

It's not just about the start date, but also the mode (possible interlinking with the Bayern League).

It is clear, however, that at some point the game will be played again - and that makes Gast confident.

The past time "was terrible," says the ECP managing director.

"You had to plan without knowing if there were games".

Guest sends an extra thank you to DEB sports director Stefan Schaidnagel.

“He was always there for us as a contact person and made a difference politically.” Appropriate advocacy was “extremely important in such a situation”.

As an individual association, “you are reaching a limit”.

The ECP had already contacted other clubs weeks ago regarding the hosting of test matches.

A game would have been scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, September 18, but that was canceled - also because various clubs have their paid players on short-time work.

If the start of the season is set soon, then, so Gast, test games will also be scheduled.

"We'll get some interesting pairings together," says the manager.