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While the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Katowice event is still to continue as scheduled, nobody will be allowed to watch the action in person. This almost literal eleventh hour change of plans came directly from an order issued by Polish authorities. This is all being done as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus (COVID-19).
In short: Find something else to do with your time. Those running the event say that they are currently working on a refund method for those that purchased tickets. In addition, there will also be a way to claim the goodie bag if your ticket included the option for one. Full details about the refund, and the current situation can be found courtesy of this official informational FAQ page.
I have already seen some very disappointed fans on the official Global Offensive subreddit. One user, FromTunisia, posted a photograph and voiced their excitement at being so close to the Spodek arena where the event is taking place. A mere two hours later they updated with the following comment:
Help me end my misery
ESL says that they were informed about this change very late in the day on February 27th. The first round of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive matches were at 9AM (ET) on the morning of the 28th with another (Na'Vi vs Team Liquid) starting in just a moment. The event is still being streamed live on Twitch, which you can see embedded below.
Also included here is the full statement from the ESL as it presently appears. I have already seen this statement change at least once just in the short time I was taking to write this post. Be aware that it could change again between now and when you read this. Be sure to hit up the official website for the latest.
If you purchased a ticket to IEM Katowice 2020, please do not show up at the venue tomorrow or on the weekend.
It breaks our heart that, today at 19:45 CET we were informed that, due to the dynamic changes in the global health situation, the Masters Championship at IEM Katowice 2020 has been closed to the public by the Polish Gouverneur of Silesia hours before its door opening.
We respect the decision from the local authorities. Your health and well-being stand above everything else.
You will be able to request a refund for your ticket. Our team is currently working on the refund method, FAQ and how-to guide that will be uploaded on iem.gg/katowice2020 in the next few days. We see all your messages and will collectively respond on the official event website, so please be patient.
If your ticket included a goodie bag, we will ship this to you for free. There will also be a request form on iem.gg/katowice2020 in the next few days.
For the first time ever, the legendary Spodek arena will not be echoing with your chants and cheers. In the spirit of esports, we will still broadcast the tournament as planned on online and TV channels. Join us in the chat, we are going to make sure to deliver a legendary weekend.
We are deeply sorry for all the fans and players.
Your ESL Team
It breaks our heart that, today at 19:45 CET we were informed that, due to the dynamic changes in the global health situation, the Masters Championship at IEM Katowice 2020 has been closed to the public by the Polish Gouverneur of Silesia hours before its door opening.
We respect the decision from the local authorities. Your health and well-being stand above everything else.
You will be able to request a refund for your ticket. Our team is currently working on the refund method, FAQ and how-to guide that will be uploaded on iem.gg/katowice2020 in the next few days. We see all your messages and will collectively respond on the official event website, so please be patient.
If your ticket included a goodie bag, we will ship this to you for free. There will also be a request form on iem.gg/katowice2020 in the next few days.
For the first time ever, the legendary Spodek arena will not be echoing with your chants and cheers. In the spirit of esports, we will still broadcast the tournament as planned on online and TV channels. Join us in the chat, we are going to make sure to deliver a legendary weekend.
We are deeply sorry for all the fans and players.
Your ESL Team
