Pittsburgh concerts and COVID-19 restrictions: A guide
Over the past few weeks, a number of major promoters and Pittsburgh venues have announced new requirements for entry to concerts, due to the pandemic. Many now require, or will soon require, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID19 test.
Here is a guide to what promoters and venues have announced so far:
The Pavilion at Star Lake: Beginning Oct. 4, Live Nation’s fully owned and operated venues and festivals will require all artists and fans to either show proof of COVID19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. This will apply to shows at Star Lake in Burgettstown beginning with the Jonas Brothers on Oct. 6. The Dave Matthews Band (Aug. 27) will also require vaccination proof or negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of entry. Beginning Oct. 4, all employees must be vaccinated as well.
The Roxian: Live Nation also operates the McKees Rocks venue, which reopens Aug. 28 with Todd Snider. Following the promoter’s guidelines, the restrictions begin there with the Donnie Iris show on Oct. 9.
Stage AE: The North Shore venue requires concertgoers to present proof of vaccination or a negative test taken within 72 hours. Starting Oct. 1, with the Blue November concert, a vaccination card or a digital copy of it will be required for concertgoers and staff. Stage AE is part of AEG Presents, the world’s second-largest concert promoter.
Heinz Field: Stadium policy is that masks are required for indoor areas, regardless of vaccination status. That will apply to The Rolling Stones show, presented by AEG, on Oct. 4.
PPG Paints Arena: The arena has yet to announce restrictions, but it recommended masks at the James Taylor concert in August. The next big show there is Dan + Shay on Sept. 17.
Pittsburgh Cultural District: Heinz Hall, Benedum Center, Byham Theater, Arcade Comedy Theater, August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Greer Cabaret Theater, Harris Theater, Liberty Magic, O’Reilly Theater and 937 Liberty will require masks indoors and proof that guests are “fully vaccinated” for COVID-19, meaning they had received their second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, or their single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, at least 14 days prior. Children under 12 and people with a medical condition or religious belief that prevents vaccination must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time, or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 24 hours of the performance start time. An official testing center must administer the COVID-19 test.
Thunderbird Cafe and Music Hall: The Lawrenceville venue is requiring proof of vaccination to enter or a negative COVID-19 test with results completed 48 hours or less before the show.
Spirit: For all indoor events, the Lawrenceville club will check temperatures at the door and asks those who can’t provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test within 72 hours to remain masked indoors. A printed copy or a photo on a phone of the vaccination card or PCR test will suffice as long as the name is visible and it matches the guest’s ID.
Club Cafe: When the South Side venue reopens on Sept. 7, all patrons and touring parties must present proof of vaccination (with the last dose administered no less than 14 days prior to date of arrival) or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours and a government-issued photo ID upon entry. The club will accept a legible copy or photo of vaccination card.
Mr. Roboto Project: The Lawrenceville DIY venue requires a vaccination card or negative test taken within 48 hours.