Guns N’ Roses set for Value City Arena
After 579 days without the echoing of guitar riffs and drum solos, live music returns to Value City Arena with a performance by Guns N’ Roses on Thursday night.
With the legendary rock band expanding its U.S. tour by 14 cities, the Axl Rose-led troupe will take center stage at the 19,049-seat arena.
Gary O’brien, Columbus Arena gosports & Entertainment spokesman, said patrons can expect much of the same excitement as the days before the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are very excited to host Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Guns N’ Roses this Thursday at the Schottenstein Center. ...“O’brien said.
Thursday’s show will also be the tour debut of Mammoth WVH featuring Wolfgang Van Halen, son of the legendary late guitarist Eddie Van Halen.
As far as safety procedures, CASE Senior Vice President Michael Gatto and Cait Schumann, vice president of ticketing at Nationwide Arena, outlined what fans can expect for upcoming events during a press conference on Sept. 16.
h Purchases made through Ticketmaster will be delivered as mobile tickets.
h Previously issued “hard tickets” for rescheduled shows will be valid.
h Pre-parking is available and can be made at https://arenadistrict.parkmobile.io/
h Face masks are required for ages 3 and older inside the arena, except when eating and drinking.
h Events will be held at full capacity without social distancing.
h All purchases will be cashless throughout the venue.
h 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.
h Concession stands will accept Apple or Google Pay.
h Bags will not be permitted except medical bags, diaper bags or clutches no larger than 8-by-5-by-1.
h Contactless walk-through security screenings will be in place.
h High-touch surfaces and high-capacity areas will be cleaned and disinfected before and after events.
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.
Following Eric Church’s performance at Nationwide Arena last Saturday, O’brien said more messaging will be placed in and around the arena to ensure more patrons are aware of the safety guidelines in effect.
“Public messaging will be increased inside and outside the venue,” he said. “This will include message boards outside the arenas, concourse signage, inarena digital signage and more. We continue to educate the public on the safety and health guidelines in advance of and during the event.”
As for requirements for vaccinations and negative COVID-19 test results, Gatto previously told The Dispatch that those announcements will be made on an event-to-event basis, with the decision falling on the requests of artists or event promoters.
Tickets for Thursday’s concert are available at Ticketmaster.com. ehopkins@dispatch.com @Earl_hopkins1