News  

Safety must be guaranteed for the spectators.

Standing room will remain closed on Thursday, May 20th 2004

Since September 25th 2003 tickets in advance sale for the Men's 5th World Floorball Championships, from May 16th - May 23rd 2004, were available. Numerous fans made use of this opportunity. Unfortunately some spectators neglected to buy tickets in time.

On the basis of this advanced sale, the organisation committee of the Men's 5th Floorball Championships decided on which days it would be sensible to open the standing room ramp, an area difficult to organise and guarantee safety. Up until the start of the WFC the advanced sales indicated that the opening of the standing room area on May 20th 2004 would not be necessary. That the interest "suddenly" would increase so rapidly, was not apparent from the presale numbers.

The planning therefore resulted in a definite opening of the standing room on the day of the final game and on short notice a solution was found for the semifinals as well. This solution for the semifinals was realized in interest of the numerous enquiries. The standing room area requires practically as many professional security staff members as the rest of the stadium. Experts consider the potential for violence much higher in the standing room as in the seating area. Already many potentially dangerous objects (projectiles, petards,torches, etc.) were confiscated this week. Safe entrance inspections of the fans can only be guaranteed by professionals.

Together with the staff responsible for security of the Kloten Flyers, as well as the state police, which actively supports the organising committee, it was decided, that the risk for the fans must be kept as low as possible and the standing room area would remain closed on Thursday.

Safety of the players and spectators is the highest priority and must be guaranteed. We thank you for your understanding and regret, that not everyone was able to secure themselves a ticket in time.

The organizing committee for the Men's 5th Floorball World Championships.

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