‘Fan Villages’ Created for 24H Le Mans Spectators

Spectators at the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be contained in ‘fan village’ areas during this year’s edition of the race being held on September 19-20.

Race organizer the Automobile Club de l’Ouest announced on Thursday its updated plan for allowing spectators to attend the 88th running of the famous endurance event.

The latest plan builds on last month’s news that fans will be permitted to attend the race.

Fan villages, each with a maximum capacity of 5,000 people, will be set up around the Circuit de la Sarthe to limit the possibility of spreading the coronavirus.

These will be indicated by a color designation (such as Red Village) and will be “strictly contained” to prevent movement and contact between large groups of spectators.

Each village will have its own section for viewing the track, as well as big screens, entertainment, car parking and other facilities. Some will also have grandstand access and camping pitches.

Anyone over the age of 11 must wear a face mask, while hand sanitizer dispensers will be placed around the circuit and shared facilities will be “disinfected regularly” throughout the event.

Spectators can arrive at the circuit from 8 a.m. CEST on Thursday, Sept. 17 while the campsites will open on the Wednesday at 2 p.m.

The ACO will start contacting ticket holders on August 17 to confirm village allocations and issue updated information ahead of the race.

France is currently allowing sporting events to take place with up to 5,000 people in attendance, although this rule is due to expire at the end of August.