AEG Requires Full Vaccination for Staff and Attendees

As COVID-19 cases surge, nightlife has to enforce some rules for all of its partygoers. Earlier today, leading event promoter Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) published a press release announcing that it will be implementing a full vaccination mandate for all entry into its owned and operated clubs, festivals, and theaters starting no later than October 1, 2021.

This new requirement applies to both staff and event attendees alike and affects quintessential venues including, but not limited to New York City’s Webster Hall, Los Angeles’ The Roxy, as well as Coachella Music & Arts Festival and Firefly Music Festival. 

The company’s October 1st date was chosen to allow time for ticket holders who are currently unvaccinated to reach fully vaccinated status, but in the meantime, event-goers are able to still show negative COVID test results that were taken within 72 hours of the show date.

COO of AEG and Chairman and CEO of AEG Presents, Jay Marciano says,  “We have come to the conclusion that, as a market leader, it was up to us to take a real stand on vaccination status. 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.”

Shawn Trell, COO and General Counsel of AEG Presents, agrees with taking a firm stand on the vaccination policy as leaders of the industry. He comments, “The company’s October 1st date was chosen to allow time for ticket holders who are currently unvaccinated to reach fully vaccinated status, but in the meantime, event goers are able to still show negative COVID test results that were taken within 72 hours of the show date.”

Earlier this week, it was announced that New Orleans’ Jazz Fest was officially cancelled due to the recent spikes in cases. And although the mandate is not ideal, Marciano expresses optimism. “Our hope is that our pro-active stance encourages people to do the right thing and get vaccinated… I think everyone can agree that we don’t want concerts to go away again, and this is the best way to keep that from happening.”