Here's what Arkansas' first socially-distant concert actually looks like
Arkansas is finally seeing what a concert looks like in the coronavirus pandemic with the Travis McCready show finally taking place tonight (May 18) after several issues with making it happen.
Fans began filing in and are now sharing some photos and videos of their experiences going to the show.
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The venue, TempleLive, is deeming the show the “First Fan Attended Concert In The World Since the COVID 19 Virus Shutdowns.”
People at home are able to livestream the show too, but at a cost. They’re charging people $12 to check into the livestream.
In case you’re wondering what all of the restrictions are for the show, they’ve provided a list which you can see below.
TEMPLELIVE COVID OPERATING PROTOCOL
• Capacity Reduced To 239 80% Of Capacity.
- Venue Will Be Sanitized Prior To Each Event Via Fog Sprayers.
- Masks Will Be Required For Patrons Above The Age Of Ten.
- All Templelive Employees Will Be Required To Wear Face Coverings
- The Performers Will Maintain A Minimum Of 12 Feet From Audience
- Templelive Will Monitor And Maintain Physical Distancing On All Lines Inside And Outside Of The Facility
- Hand Sanitizer Stations Will Be Available At All Entrances And Exits And Available To All Patrons
- Required Signage Will Be Placed At All Entrances And Exits
- Per CDC Guidelines One Way Walk-ways In Theater Managed By Templelive Employees.
- 6 Feet Of Separation From All Seating Groups Or Fan Pods.
- 10 Person Limit In All Restrooms.
- All Soap And Paper Towel Dispensors Will Be No Touch.
- Closure Of Bathroom Fixtures To Maintain 6 Feet Of Distance During Use.
- Temperatures Of Attendees To Be Taken At Entry Points.
- All Beverages Will Be Prepackaged Or Have Lids.
- Templelive Employees Will Be Actively Wipping Down Touch Points In Venue And Restrooms.
Reporter Andrew Epperson is attending the show and posted a photo of the venue as media members were arriving.
Doors are open here at TempleLive…filled with media here, but haven’t seen any concert-goers just yet. #NWANews pic.twitter.com/uady5594QY
— Andrew Epperson (@eppersports) May 18, 2020
He also spoke with TempleLive vice president of operations Mike Brown about his thoughts on the show.
“All that’s over with, and we’re gonna go forward.”
Just spoke with TempleLive owner Mike Brown, who says tonight’s Travic McCready concert may join rock ‘n roll history. ?
It’s likely the first concert since COVID-19 forced live venue restrictions. #NWANews pic.twitter.com/I6NWmrvnXR
— Andrew Epperson (@eppersports) May 18, 2020
Max Bryan shared a video from inside the venue where you can see how far fans are distanced from each other. As you can see, the proposed “fan pods” are in effect with very small groups of people together and spaced apart from each other.
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Covering the socially distanced Travis McCready show at @templelivefsm.
And they totally paid tribute to @arkansalt’s editorial before the musicians did their thing. pic.twitter.com/sCay5Wf9AS
— Max Bryan (@MBryanTimesRec) May 19, 2020
Epperson also shared a video with footage of fans at merch tables wearing masks.
Here’s some videos from inside TempleLive as tonight’s concert is now underway. ??
We were allowed to shoot during the first three songs. #NWANews pic.twitter.com/qUxFRVDu6Z
— Andrew Epperson (@eppersports) May 19, 2020
While footage of fans spread so far apart is quite a strange sight to see, it’s nevertheless something people may have to expect with live shows over the next while.
What do you think of one of the first socially-distant concerts in the U.S. happening in Arkansas? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.