Area arenas announce COVID protocols
It’s been 560 days since a live concert was held inside Nationwide Arena.
The last performance was given by country superstars Dan + Shay on March 8, 2020.
But after months of announcements and much anticipation, patrons will be welcomed back to Nationwide Arena with a performance from country singer-songwriter Eric Church on Saturday.
“I’m so excited about Saturday, and I told the staff that once the night is over and everyone is safely out the building, I’m going to do a beer angel with all the beer cups or whatever else is on there, General Manager Michael Gatto said. “That’s how excited I am.”
But before patrons rush to the venue, they should be mindful of a number of safety measures and policies that will be in place due to COVID-19.
During a press conference Thursday, Gatto and Cait Schumann, vice president of ticketing, outlined what fans can expect going forward:
• Purchases made through Ticketmaster will be delivered as mobile tickets.
• Previously issued “hard tickets” for rescheduled shows will be valid.
• Pre-parking is available and can be made at https://arenadistrict.parkmobile.io/
• Face masks are required for ages 3 and older inside the arena, except when eating and drinking.
• Events will be held at full capacity without social distancing.
• All purchases will be cashless throughout the venue.
• Cash-to-card or “reverse ATM” machines will be placed near concession stands and box-office windows to exchange cash for a no-fee debit card.
• Concession stands will accept Apple or Google Pay.
• Bags will not be permitted except medical bags, diaper bags or clutches no larger than 8-by-5-by-1.
• Contactless walk-through security screenings will be in place.
• High-touch surfaces and high-capacity areas will be cleaned and disinfected before and after events.
Gatto said these safeguards will also be in place for Columbus Blue Jacket games. And most of the policies will apply to events at Value City Arena, with the exception of pre-parking and reverse ATMS, which will not be available.
As for requirements for vaccinations and negative COVID-19 test results, Gatto said those announcements will be made on an event-to-event basis, with the decision falling on the requests of artists or event promoters.
Going forward, Gatto said the venues will continue monitoring local, state and federal health guidelines to ensure compliance.
Arena officials also encouraged patrons to arrive early.
With an expected attendance of more than 17,000 fans, Gatto said he’s excited for Saturday’s Eric Church concert and others to come as the live entertainment industry continues its process of recovery.
“This is another step toward recovery of the live events industry,” he said.
Along with Church’s performance, other upcoming events at Nationwide Arena include the Columbus Blue Jackets first preseason home game Sept. 28, Columbus R&B Fest on Oct. 8 and a performance by legendary singer-songwriter James Taylor & His All-star Band on Dec. 11.
Guns N’ Roses will take center stage at Value City Arena on Sept. 23, making it the first live concert event in the venue in 579 days.
For more information, visit http://www.nationwidearena.com/. ehopkins@dispatch.com @Earl_hopkins1