Premier League grounds to be at full capacity when season resumes

The premier league will lift all restrictions at stadiums in August to enable full capacity after the government announced the next phase on Monday. (Photo credit: Premierleague.com)

Premier League stadiums are expected to have full capacity on match days for the first time since March 2020 after the UK government lifted all restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 virus;

The proposal, which will be voted upon on July 12, would lift all remaining restrictions in the country from July 19.

The unpopular social distancing and mandatory mask-wearing will be scrapped, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said some venues may choose to make use of National Health Service vaccine passport service for entry but it is strictly at their personal discretion.

"From step four we will remove all legal limits on the numbers meeting indoors and outdoors," Johnson said at a news conference.

"We will allow all businesses to reopen, including nightclubs, we will lift the limit on named visitors to care homes and the numbers of people attending concerts, theatre, and sports events."

Brentford hosts Arsenal on the opening day and they will have the luxury of having their fans storm the 17,000 capacity stadium for their first ever premier league affair having gained promotions via the playoffs, beating Bournemouth in the semifinal before edging Swansea in the final.

"Fans have been hugely missed so we welcome today's announcement by the Government, and are looking forward to full stadiums in the 2021-22 season," a Premier League statement read.

"As we move towards a Government decision on Step 4 of the roadmap and beyond, we will continue to work with football stakeholders and relevant public authorities to ensure that the return to full capacity is done in a way that keeps everyone safe."

Leicester’s King Power stadium was the last ground to witness full capacity in a 4-0 annihilation of Aston Villa in March of 2020 before the league season was temporarily suspended.