Sporting events look set to welcome bigger crowds this summer.
An indicative date has been agreed by the NI Executive for lifting the cap of 500 people at outdoor gatherings.
That is the current limit for outdoor sporting events in Northern Ireland, although last month's Irish Cup final did successfully welcome 1,000 spectators through the turnstiles as part of a 'test event'.
It is understood that June 21 is the indicative date Stormont officials have earmarked for a further relaxing of Covid restrictions.
Online reports say this will need to be given the green light by Ministers next week.
The same date has also been set for the return of live music.
It is also understood that proposals to raise limits on social contact in households from June 21 have also been agreed, along with rules on outdoor gatherings and meeting in private gardens.
At present, only six people from two households are allowed to meet in homes due to Covid-19 restrictions, but this would increase it to 10 individuals.
Meeting outdoors could rise to 15 people with no limit on how many households, and the same indicative date has also been agreed for lifting the cap of 500 people at outdoor gatherings.
It is understood lifting the cap will be determined by a risk assessment for each location.
