AEG Presents To Require Full Vaccination At Venues, Festivals


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Event producer AEG Presents has announced it will require full vaccination for U.S. concertgoers and event staff at all of its clubs, theaters, and festivals no later than Oct. 1.

The announcement states “the decision comes on the heels of the dramatic surge in Covid-19 cases as the Delta variant spreads throughout the United States. AEG Presents is either an owner or partner in such iconic venues and festivals as New York’s Webster Hall and Brooklyn Steel, The Roxy and El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles, The Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas, Firefly Music Festival, Day N Vegas, The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Coachella Music & Arts Festival, among others.”  
The release also includes a strongly worded statement from AEG Presents chairman and CEO Jay Marciano, who says the Delta variant and vaccine hesitation are hindering the reopening process.
 “We have come to the conclusion that, as a market leader, it was up to us to take a real stand on vaccination status,” said Jay Marciano, COO of AEG and Chairman and CEO, AEG Presents. “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.”
“Our hope is that our pro-active stance encourages people to do the right thing and get vaccinated,” added Marciano.  “We’ve already had to deliver bad news about JazzFest this week; 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.”
An AEG representative confirmed to Pollstar that this policy applies only to its clubs, theaters and festivals, as AEG’s operated or owned arena venues largely fall under the umbrella of AEG Facilities and ASM Global, which was created after its merger with SMG and includes 325 arenas, stadiums, convention centers and performing arts centers. While AEG owns or operates those venues, they are not solely hosting AEG Presents content and therefore may have differing COVID policies. AEG Presents also produces tours for artist clients such as Eric Church, George Strait, The Rolling Stones and others.  
The AEG Presents policy release notes it is limited “only as required by law” and that several venues have already been following local vaccination mandates. 
The statement says the date was chosen specifically to allow time for any eligible unvaccinated ticketholders and staff to reach fully vaccinated status if they haven’t already and wish to do so.  Prior to Oct. 1, AEG Presents says it will implement a policy of showing proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of show date where permitted.  
Added Shawn Trell, COO and General Counsel, AEG Presents: “Certain states’ regulations may override our mandate, or a few artists may not want to immediately get on board with the plan, but we know that using our platform to take a strong position on vaccinations can make an impact.  The message we want to send is simple and clear: the only way to be as safe as possible is to require everyone to be vaccinated.  And we’re confident that others who haven’t been ready to make this full commitment yet will follow our lead.”
The vaccination policy will be implemented as an open-ended one, with any changes or reversals informed by updates relating to infection rates, transmission data, variant developments, and local and federal regulations.
AEG Presents’ policy is major news as major festivals like Lollapalooza require vaccination or negative tests, Bonnaroo recently announced similar policies, and various venues across the country have individually announced similar measures, although usually with the option of providing a negative test within 72 hours of an event.  Live Nation, which produces much of the arena and stadium tours across the world, recently announced that while it encourages vaccination at its events, the decision would ultimately be up to touring artists and their teams.