AEG, Live Nation, the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), and many other event production companies have sent a letter to President Biden offering their spaces and services to help administer the COVID-19 vaccine. Read the full letter here.
The letter, which points out that there are many venues already working on the State and Local level to implement vaccine programs, states that currently out-of-use venues would be ideal spaces for vaccine dispensing. “Event venues make ideal community vaccination sites,” the letter states. “They are located in most urban, suburban and rural communities, often near transit lines and with easy access to parking. Our interiors are clear span with bright work lights and empty standard refrigeration systems. Due to the nature of our business, our buildings and workforce are accustomed to patron queuing and crowd management.”
The joint letter also points out that the live events industry is “one of the best prepared, best equipped, most experienced industries in America to manage and control large crowds in a rapid, organized fashion. Moving people in, out, and around a public gathering space swiftly and safely is the foundation of our industry. Additionally, our familiarity using ticketing systems for advanced notification, timed entry and crowd management can greatly improve patient experience before and during vaccination as well as on-site management.”
NIVA launched in April 2020 in response to the immense financial strain put on venues shuttered following the COVID-19 outbreak. Though it has not yet been confirmed, there have been reports that Goldenvoice—the company that puts on Coachella—is in talks with Riverside County about a potential mass COVID-19 vaccination site.
Revisit “What Does a Music Festival During a Pandemic Look Like? We’re About to Find Out” over on the Pitch.