The organisers of the Longines FEI Jumping European Championship 2021 have today announced that a larger number of spectators has been allowed to attend the event. The Europeans will take place at Riesenbeck International from 1 to 5 September 2021. 

A press release from the organisers reads:

"After extensive consultations between the Organisers and the health authorities of the Steinfurt district, a hygiene concept was developed that is essentially based on two pillars: The first condition requires all persons on the grounds, i.e. all athletes, volunteers, as well as all spectators, to have a negative Covid-19 test. This test must not be older than 48 hours and must be carried out by an official testing centre. A testing centre is available onsite at the venue. Secondly, although the equestrian centre at the Surenburg can host up to 6,500 spectators, a 50% capacity cap has been set, restricting the number of spectators allowed inside the venue to a maximum of 3,250 guests per day.  

Show director Karsten Lütteken is relieved: "We are really happy to be able to go public with this positive news. Even though the compulsory testing means a certain amount of extra work for us as Organisers, but also for the spectators, this arrangement is, at the same time, also the basis for being able to release a further ticket contingent."  

Ludger Beerbaum is also happy for his colleagues that they are not forced to compete in their sport in front of a beautiful - but empty - backdrop: "In difficult times, there are not always easy solutions. But in the end, as always in Riesenbeck, it is all about being able to offer the best possible sport. The fact that this sport can now be showcased in front of a worthy crowd is in the interest of everyone involved." 

Should there be stricter regulations and possibly stronger restrictions on the number of spectators due to rising infection figures in the first week of September, the visitors who have secured a ticket early will be favoured. In this case, visitors would be admitted in the order of purchase."

An additional 2000 tickets are now available for each day of the event. All tickets must be booked via the event website: www.riesenbeck2021.com, as there will not be any on-site sales or box office.