FFT to begin French Open ticket sales July 9 with 50-60% capacity goal

While US Open organizers plan on staging their major tournament behind closed doors, the FFT will proceed with having fans in the stands for Roland Garros, which begins September 27.

On Thursday, it was announced that the clay-court major will launch ticket sales for members of FFT-licensed clubs on July 9, and a week later, open up availability to the general public. In its outline, achieving a capacity between 50 to 60 percent is the intended target.

“The FFT will adapt the way spectators move around inside the stadium in order to ensure that the barrier measures and social distancing are respected,” a statement read. “Though we recommend wearing a mask in the vicinity of the stadium and whenever you are standing or sitting still inside the grounds (in the stands), any spectators moving around the 12-hectare site of Roland-Garros stadium will be obliged to wear a mask.”

No groups larger than four will be permitted to sit together on the three largest courts, and a seat would remain empty between clusters. Every other seat will be “out of bounds” on the remaining courts. Fans buying tickets for courts Philippe-Chatrier, Suzanne-Lenglen and Simonne-Mathieu will not know their exact seat position until mid-September.

“The layout of the various spaces will be adapted according to the current health guidelines, namely to ensure social distancing is respected,” the announcement continued. “The cleaning and disinfecting of the various areas will be stepped up and distributers of hydroalcoholic solution will be installed.”

Players will be informed about their required protocols at a later date. The French Open was originally scheduled to begin on May 24.

We will update this story as it develops.