ICC Sydney increases capacity for flagship theatre, receives corporate events exemption

The International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney is set to host more people in its main theatre, after getting the green light from the NSW government to increase its seated capacity.

The NSW Department of Health has granted the venue clearance to host 2,400 people when attending seated ticketed events in Aware Super Theatre.

ICC Sydney said it would immediately increase the theatre’s seated capacity to welcome back larger events.

In line with current NSW government regulations, all ticketed events will be subject to one person per four square metres of space.

In order to maintain physical distancing within the theatre, which can accommodate 8,000 seats at full capacity, tickets to events will be sold in a checkerboard seat pattern with a minimum of a two-seat gap between groups.

“First and foremost, this is an acknowledgement of the thorough, best practice health and safety standards we have in place here at ICC Sydney,” ICC Sydney chief executive Geoff Donaghy said.

“While the majority of our events are traditionally held in larger numbers, this announcement, coupled with recent news that ICC Sydney can host uncapped exhibitions and the reopening of the NSW border to Victoria, provides yet more positive steps toward our path to recovery.

“Our industry and the performing arts sector were two of the first and hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, and these announcements provide the critical signs we need to build confidence for our clients, their guests and other event attendees.”

All events held at ICC Sydney including the Aware Super Theatre will continue to be delivered in line with the venue’s EventSafe Operating Guide, which integrates parent group ASM Global’s rigorous Venue Shield program while meeting NSW government regulations.

“We are certainly looking forward to staging an expanded line-up of live events to continue connecting artists with their audiences, and supporting Sydney and wider Australia’s cultural and performance community, who have had an incredibly challenging year,” Donaghy said.

ICC Sydney has also received an exemption to hold corporate events for up to 1,500 people in its convention and exhibition centres from the NSW Department of Health.

All corporate events, including conferences, will be subject to one person per four square metres with a maximum of 300 people in separate areas within ICC Sydney.

Featured image source: ICC Sydney