Family 'pods' at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi have internet abuzz - in pictures

Special enclosures on grass banks during the T20 World Cup a big hit

Spectators watch from fenced pens the Cricket Twenty20 World Cup match between South Africa and Australia in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. (AP Photo / Kamran Jebreili)

Spectators watch the match family-friendly enclosures at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. AP

Spectators watch the match in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. AP

Spectators watch from fenced off areas in Abu Dhabi. AP

Spectators watch the opening match of the T20 World Cup from special fenced areas on the grass banks of Zayed Cricket Stadium. AP

South Africa's David Miller, left, and teammate Aiden Markram during the T20 World Cup match against Australia in Abu Dhabi. AP

South Africa supporters masks sit inside small fences, erected for supporters to maintain social distancing at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. EPA

Ground staff erect special enclosures for spectators in Abu Dhabi. EPA

The opening match of the T20 World Cup was a cause of celebration, not just for the action on the field but activities off it as well.

The Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi is one of the most futuristic venues in the world, and it continued its pioneering ways on Saturday by introducing a special feature for spectators as Australia took on South Africa.

Fans attending the match got to witness the game from special socially-distanced family 'pods' on the grass banks. Organisers put up the fenced off enclosures for families of up to four to watch the match while maintaining health and safety standards.

Social media was quick to pick up the unique structures, with many commending the organisers for the move.