Looking forward to attending a live music performance soon? A long list of venues throughout the state have implemented new rules for attendees.
More than a dozen independent concerts, clubs, and entertainment venues in Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Tucson have collectively agreed to require its attendees to either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a confirmed negative COVID-19 test by Sep. 20.
The list of venues include Celebrity Theatre, Crescent Ballroom, Marquee Theatre, The Nash, The Nile Theatre, The Rebel Lounge, The Rhythm Room, Valley Bar, Walter Where? House, and Westside Blues & Jazz in Phoenix, and 191 Toole, Club Congress, Fox Tucson Theatre, and The Rialto Theatre in Tucson.
The Orpheum Theater in Flagstaff confirmed that it, too, has joined the coalition.
It is important to note that even though Sept. 20 is the date announced, some venues may begin sooner so it is important that people who are planning to attend an event for an upcoming shows have enough time to get vaccinated or get a negative test.
Recently, Live Nation and AEG both updated their policies to require everyone — artists, staff, and audiences — to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a negative COVID-19 test at all of its venues and festivals.
Live Nation’s requirements begin Oct. 4, 2021. AEG’s policy begins Oct. 1, 2021, according to an online news release.
“Vaccines are going to be your ticket back to shows, and as of October 4th we will be following the model we developed for Lollapalooza and requiring this for artists, fans and employees at Live Nation venues and festivals everywhere possible in the US, said Michael Rapino, president and CEO, Live Nation Entertainment, in a statement.
“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,” said Jay Marciano, COO of AEG and Chairman and CEO, AEG Presents, in a statement.
“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.”
