Crossword Genius

People in excellent matches — provisions for spectators say? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

amenities

'provisions for spectators say?' is the definition.
(spectators at a stadium might use amenities)

'people in excellent matches' is the wordplay.
'people' becomes 'men' (men are people).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'excellent' becomes 'ai' (resembles 'A1', old-fashioned term for excellent).
'matches' becomes 'ties' (tie can mean a sporting fixture).
'men' placed into 'ai' is 'ameni'.
'ameni'+'ties'='AMENITIES'

(Other definitions for amenities that I've seen before include "pleasing features" , "useful services?" , "conveniences" , "Equipment" , "Useful facilities" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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