IAAF responds to empty stands issue at World Championships

A number of individuals tweeted photos of the almost-empty stands at the women’s 100m final at the World Championships in Doha on Sunday. With the exception of the numerous fans cheering the Ethiopian team at yesterday’s 5,000m final (who were reportedly migrant workers), Khalifa Stadium in Doha has been practically deserted for many events. Yesterday the Local Organizing Committee issued a statement addressing the issue, citing a number of factors contributing to the sparse spectator numbers. It mentioned that Day 3 corresponded to the beginning of the work week in Qatar and talked about “renewed efforts” and “additional communications” to bring more fans into the stadium.

https://twitter.com/mariofraioli/status/1178420477582139392

The statement claimed that the stadium was 70 per cent filled on Day 1 and 67 per cent filled on Day 2 before plummetting to “under 50 per cent” (which seems generous) on Day 3, “which coincided with the start of the working week in Qatar.”

“We are confident that our renewed efforts will encourage the local community to come and witness the stunning performance of the world’s best athletes.”

RELATED: Europe knows track meets

The statement also pointed out that events were scheduled to optimize TV coverage to points west, mainly the US and Canada, meaning that some finals are scheduled late in the evening local time, making it less likely that area residents will remain in the stadium.

Statement from the Doha World Champs local organizing committee on the attendance: pic.twitter.com/zIpkV7RAFv

— Jonathan Gault (@jgault13) September 30, 2019

The statement also asserts that the local crowd is more interested in distance events than sprints. And finally, the statement pointed out how awesome the air conditioning is in the stadium.

RELATED: The Pacific Distance Carnival: beer, fire and track and field