Proof of full vaccination will be required for concertgoers and staff at all clubs, theatres, and festivals owned and operated by AEG Presents.
Cases of COVID-19 continue to surge in the United States as the Delta variant spreads across the country – and promoters and venues are beginning to take action on combatting that spread, keeping their attendees safe, and working to avoid another potential lockdown. While many have already begun to implement policies of their own, today AEG Presents delivered the news that anyone attending or working at one of their owned or operated venues, clubs, and festivals will need to be fully vaccinated this fall.
“We have come to the conclusion that, as a market leader, it was up to us to take a real stand on vaccination status,” said Jay Marciano, COO of AEG and Chairman and CEO, AEG Presents. “Just a few weeks ago, we were optimistic about where our business, and country, were heading. The Delta variant, combined with vaccine hesitancy, is pushing us in the wrong direction again. We realize that some people might look at this as a dramatic step, but it’s the right one. We also are aware that there might be some initial pushback, but I’m confident and hopeful that, at the end of the day, we will be on the right side of history and doing what’s best for artists, fans, and live event workers.”
While some of their venues have already begun to implement measures following local government mandates, this sweeping policy from AEG Presents will be nationwide and limited only as required by law. This new policy, which will be put in place at venues like The Roxy and El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles and Webster Hall and Brooklyn Steel in New York, as well as festivals like Firefly and Coachella, will go into effect on October 1, 2021. This date was chosen to allow ample time for those who are unvaccinated to reach fully vaccinated status and prior to that date, a requirement of being fully vaccinated or a negative COVID test within 72-hours will also be required.
Shawn Trell, COO and General Counsel at AEG Presents went on to say that they’re aware certain states make override their mandate or that artists might not be interested with getting on board with the plan, “but we know that using our platform to take a strong position on vaccinations can make an impact.” Further, the vaccination policy is one that will be open-ended and based on the current state of infection rates, transmission data, government regulations, and new variant developments as well.
The required documentation can be presented with either a physical copy of your vaccination record card, a digital copy, or other proof permitted locally. Additionally, those who have medical or religious exemptions will be accommodated by contacting the festival or venue directly.
Details on the new policy from AEG Presents can be found via their website.
Stay tuned for more coverage during festival season as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
