An Update to Stadium Protocols

After a year of limited capacities at live event venues across the world because of the Covid-19 pandemic, things are starting to return to some normalcy. With the vaccine rollout increasing monthly, crowds are starting to make their way back into stadiums and arenas under limited capacities and safety protocols. Every venue is handling safety differently, but for the most part you can expect these safety measures in almost any large venue you are visiting.

1. Face Coverings

We’ve all gotten familiar with face coverings over the past year, so this should come as no surprise that anyone entering a stadium or arena will be required to wear a face mask at all times, including guests and staff. The only exception to this rule is if you are under 2 years old, or if you are in the process of eating/drinking. Some venues will even be distributing face masks as you enter the venue to ensure everyone has a proper mask. All venues will require that the mask you wear at the event follow the CDC guidelines listed here.

2. Pod Seating and Limited Capacity

Expect limited capacity and 6 ft distances between groups of guests in seating areas and queues throughout venues. Although currently, the LA Dodgers are allowing fans to be seated in “vaccine-only” sections where no social distancing is required as long as you have proof of vaccination. As time goes on and vaccinations roll out, venues will be increasing their seating capacities to allow more guests, but for now, most are doing their best to control traffic and space between guests at all times.

3. Contactless Entry

To limit the amount of touch points, most venues will be strictly using contactless/mobile entry. Mobile tickets were already taking the place of physical tickets before the pandemic, so most people should be used to using them by now. Also, expect concessions and shops to be cashless, and some stadiums may require bags to be scanned by an X-ray scanner prior to entering the stadium. Some stadiums may also require you to fill out a COVID-symptom questionnaire prior to entry, requiring a clear health check.

4. Specific Entry/Exit Gates

Venues will be doing everything they can to control the flow of traffic within gates and concourses. Anticipate having to follow a lot of signage directing you around the stadium because venues will be trying to limit bottlenecks or people waiting in crowded areas.

5. Enhanced Sanitation

Stadiums will be doing their best to deep clean everything before, after, and during events. Any “high touch points” like door handles, elevator buttons, touch screens, etc. will be heavily sanitized and taken care of. Hand sanitizing stations will be placed around most venues in high traffic areas or areas entering/leaving. Some stadiums will even be using drones before and after events to sanitize  the entire seating  area.

The live event experience will be a little different for the time being, but these changes are worth being able to attend events in person again. If you are planning on attending a live event, it is best practice to check the venue’s website before attending to keep up with any new changes to their Covid-19 guidelines. If you’re feeling well, and you bring your mask, some hand sanitizer, and follow staff instructions you should be able to attend live events with no surprises and have a great time.