NORFOLK, Va. - The NorVa is requiring all concertgoers and event staff to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 before attending any shows this fall.
The venue announced Thursday that it is complying with a rule its parent company, The Bowery Presents, has put in place.
The vaccination policy, which is limited as only required by law, will be in full effect nationwide no later than October 1.
Leading up to that date, The Bowery Presents will implement a policy showing proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the show date where permitted.
AEG Presents, which implemented the policy across owned and partner venues like The Bowery Presents, says performing artists will not have to follow the new COVID-19 protocols, but it is strongly encouraging artists to get vaccinated.
After 15 months largely sitting empty due to the pandemic, The NorVa, which has a capacity of 1,450, announced its big comeback in June.
As an avid concertgoer, Gabe Sunday is glad venues like The NorVa are stepping up their COVID-19 precautions.
"I think it’s really a conversation of responsibility, and I love to see local businesses starting to try to take a little bit more responsibility and accountability for the ongoing pandemic," said Sunday.
Abraham Georgia hasn’t been to a concert in 18 months and also hasn’t been vaccinated. Yet, he’s all in favor for COVID precautions at concert venues.
He says he’s planning on getting a shot in the next few weeks as the highly contagious Delta variant causes a surge in COVID-19 cases.
"I don’t mind stepping out if I’m with friends or in a space that has the proper requirements as far as whether it’s vaccinations or failure test that’s needed before you enter," said Georgia.
The NorVa isn’t alone. Live Nation, which operates Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater in Virginia Beach, will require all artists and fans to either show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID test starting October 4.
SevenVenues, which operates Norfolk venues like Chrysler Hall and the Scope Arena, does not require proof of vaccination for entry, but says it will update protocols in accordance with the city manager's recommendations.
Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion in Portsmouth is encouraging masks for both vaccinated and unvaccinated fans at its outdoor concert venue and says it would require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test if a performing artist requested.
— TheNorVA (@TheNorVa) August 12, 2021
