The opening match of the T20 World Cup was a cause of celebration, not just for the action on the field but activities off it as well.
The Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi is one of the most futuristic venues in the world, and it continued its pioneering ways on Saturday by introducing a special feature for spectators as Australia took on South Africa.
Fans attending the match got to witness the game from special socially-distanced family 'pods' on the grass banks. Organisers put up the fenced off enclosures for families of up to four to watch the match while maintaining health and safety standards.
Social media was quick to pick up the unique structures, with many commending the organisers for the move.
Family-friendly social distancing measures on the grass banks at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. They get their own, four-person picket-fenced area. Also discounts for PCR tests for ticket holders … #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/c22NEFLEYQ
— Paul Radley (@PaulRadley) October 23, 2021
The most aesthetically pleasing form of social distancing at any sporting event so far 👌 #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/4KW13KDE8c
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) October 23, 2021