If all goes well next week, Cricket ACT hope Manuka Oval's capacity might increase again in time for next month's Big Bash League.
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Canberra cricket fans got a slight boost on Thursday when the ACT government increased Manuka's capacity to 65 per cent - although that only equated to about 850 extra tickets due to coronavirus compliant.
It meant extra tickets for Australia's two internationals against India in Canberra next week - a one-dayer and a Twenty20 - went on sale Thursday afternoon.
Not many of those tickets were left by the end of the day, with the original capacity of 5000 selling out in just hours last week.
At 4pm, just 150 remained for the T20I, while about 700 were left for the ODI.
Both teams were set to arrive in Canberra on Monday ahead of the first game two days later.
Cricket ACT boss James Allsopp was thankful for even just a small increase, but did hope there might be further room to move ahead of the six BBL games they'll host later next month.
Whether the government will consider that is another matter, given their next reassessment of restrictions was planned for February 12.
The capacity of Canberra Stadium has also increased to 65 per cent, which would be a maximum of about 16,000 depending on the stadium set-up.
But that could increase again before the ACT Brumbies' and Canberra Raiders' respective seasons kicked off.
"It's 1000 more than we had yesterday so we're grateful for that," Allsopp said.
"It's ultimately a decision for the chief health officer, but we'd like to see bigger crowds.
"The 65 per cent is better than it was yesterday so if that's where it stays we'll hopefully be able to sell those out as well.
"But if there was the opportunity to increase capacity to the BBL, and provided it was done in a COVID-safe way, we'd jump at that opportunity."
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ACT chief health officer Kerryn Coleman was comfortable with the increases, which will come into effect on Wednesday - the day of the first game in a bumper summer of cricket in Canberra.
"The ACT remains in a great position in responding to COVID-19 and while we may all be all growing a little weary of the restrictions in place, they are an essential part of reducing spread of infection and the size of outbreaks that may occur and ensuring we are able to effectively contact trace in that scenario," she said.
"That said, we are confident that we can make these changes to our restrictions next Wednesday, with our COVID-19 situation remaining stable."
It also bodes well for Canberra's other summer sports, with both the Canberra Cavalry and Canberra United set to benefit.
They can also move to 65 per cent capacity.
The Canberra Capitals would have too - if they weren't in a WNBL bubble in Far North Queensland.
Previously, the Cavalry's Narrabundah Ballpark was limited to a capacity of 1000, but that could rise to 1200-1300 now.
With McKellar Park's gates locked, United will play their W-League home games at Viking Park.
Capital Football said they could have a capacity of 1500, but could apply for an exemption to hold more.
"Large indoor venues can move to 65 per cent capacity for ticketed and seated events up to 1500 people," ACT health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said.
"Enclosed outdoor venues with permanent tiered seating or grandstands will also be able to move up to 65 per cent capacity up to 1500 people."
CANBERRA'S SUMMER OF CRICKET
Wednesday: Australia v India, ODI, 2.40pm.
December 4: Australia v India, T20I, 7.10pm.
December 11: Melbourne Stars v Brisbane Heat, BBL, 7.15pm.
December 12: Melbourne Stars v Sydney Thunder, BBL, 4.05pm.
December 14: Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat, BBL, 7.15pm.
December 22: Sydney Thunder v Perth Scorchers, BBL, 7.15pm.
December 26: Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades, BBL, 6.10pm.
December 29: Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Stars, BBL, 7.15pm.