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| Source: Singapore Sports Hub. Plans for 2021. |
Although the global pandemic prevented its ability to bring the usual suite of marquee sporting and entertainment events to Singapore, the fully-integrated hub pivoted and refocused its efforts to become a pillar of support for the community. It also experimented with innovative formats that have opened new possibilities for events and experiences in 2021.
In 2020, the venues under the Hub hosted 4.8 million visitors. The OCBC Aquatic Centre actually saw 41% more visitors in Q420 than the year before.
Live events without compromising on safety
As part of the nation’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 among migrant workers, Project Dorm saw Singapore Sports Hub transform venues like the OCBC Arena and the National Stadium into safe and comfortable living quarters that housed 3,000 workers. This proved Singapore Sports Hub’s potential to zone and accommodate a sizable number of people without compromising on safe distancing. Each zone is a self-sufficient bubble, with its own gate for entrance and exit, plus separate bathroom facilities as well as food and beverage (F&B) concession stands. These will work together to effectively separate different groups of event attendees.
The Hub put this new zoning strategy to the test with the ONE Championship mixed martial arts (MMA) event in October. This was Singapore’s first live event since the pandemic. The event saw all tickets sold out within a day. Stringent measures were taken to ensure the event ran both safely and smoothly, including providing a list of designated clinics where attendees were required to undergo an antigen rapid test on the event day and produce a valid negative test certificate before entry.
The successful execution of these safety protocols has built confidence in the Hub’s ability to scale and adapt these procedures for bigger events, bringing with it the likelihood of more such live events in 2021, the Hub said.
Events with innovative technology
To support individuals through movement restrictions, Singapore Sports Hub delivered community and sports experiences through virtual programmes. For example, it launched an online workout series. The Hub also celebrated Singapore’s 55th birthday with the first-ever virtual National Day Fiesta.
With a total of over 750,000 views, the strong performance of these virtual programmes has inspired Singapore Sports Hub to continue innovating and incorporating technology into its events. A recent example of this is the Hub’s foray into physical+digital or ‘phygital’ programmes that feature both online and offline elements. This November, the Hub hosted ZoomBa, a phygital event that saw both online and offline participants come together for Singapore’s longest zumba relay. A relay occurs when different groups of people perform the activity sequentially, instead of together.
Re-think the use of facilities
While known for hosting entertainment and sporting events at its facilities, Singapore Sports Hub used the spaces to serve the larger public during the pandemic. Over 140 activity sessions that catered to all ages and went beyond sports were organised in November and December.
Lionel Yeo, CEO, Singapore Sports Hub, said: “In this challenging year, Singapore Sports Hub has successfully rallied together to support the community whilst still offering the great experiences that we are known for. It has also been a year of important learnings, and we are eager to put together more safe and engaging events as we transition into Phase 3. With the right mindset and approach and the cooperation of all stakeholders, we believe that this national asset can deliver great value to Singapore through good times and bad.”
