As public events return, will hosts ask to see your vaccination card? 

By summer, every American who wants a COVID-19 vaccine should have the opportunity to get one. 

Then comes the question: Will I need a vaccination card to get into a public event? 

While most people who put on events locally have yet to announce their intentions, Charlotte’s premiere performing arts venue says no card will be required there.  

The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, with six theaters Uptown, will not need proof of vaccinations to keep audiences safe, said CEO Tom Gabbard.  

However, Blumenthal will require the audience to wear masks. It will also require all employees and performing artists to be vaccinated, Gabbard said.  

“Of course, there will be exceptions (to the vaccination requirement) for someone who has a health or religious issue,” Gabbard said, “but a unique element in our business is (that) people have to work closely together and can’t always socially distance or wear masks. 

“Given those working conditions, we felt it was important to set a really high standard of safety. I’m anticipating we may see something similar on Broadway. There is very active discussion about that, and the Actor’s Union is taking the safety of their members very carefully.”  

The Blumenthal frequently hosts touring Broadway plays, as well as the Charlotte Symphony, major speakers and musical theater. Gabbard said he expects a return to large indoor performances in late August.  

The Blumenthal’s strategy involves what he calls “a layered approach.” 

“The reality is, including vaccines, there is no ‘silver bullet,’ but it is the combination of measures together that will create a safe environment,” Gabbard said. “Vaccination among staff is a piece of it, and masking will continue to be a requirement. We’ve introduced improvements to our (ventilation) system to clean the air and have hand sanitizers everywhere.” 

Gabbard predicted that most venues will require masks indoors, potentially through the end of 2021. 

At least two other entertainment venues in Charlotte have not decided what will be required for people attending their events. 

There is no timeframe on a decision at the Bojangles Entertainment Complex, said Karen Brand, communications director at the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, which manages the venue. 

“We are watching the national conversation around this issue and following developments in the entertainment industry and in other states to evaluate the impact of the return of live events,” Brand said. “While we are eager for events to return, we know that the health of our community and the health of our economy are linked, and we are committed to safeguarding both.” 

Brand added that health measures will be decided collaboratively among the venue, promoter, artist and local authorities. 

The Evening Muse in NoDa is among the smallest of Charlotte’s popular music venues.  Its owner, Don Koster, said he will take precautions, but he remains undecided about vaccination requirements. 

“At the current time we have been very busy with planning and preparation for reopening after a very long year, plus, of no live shows,” Koster said. “At this point, the only thing certain is that we will be mask-mandatory and have hand sanitizer at the door with individuals being temperature checked. As the environment is currently very dynamic, we are going to continue to watch what is happening to decide further regarding vaccine requirements.” 

Koster added that he expects all his staff to be vaccinated prior to its reopening in May.  

In November, Billboard Magazine erroneously reported that Ticketmaster planned to use smartphone apps to verify ticket buyers’ vaccination status or negative test results. Ticketmaster later released a statement saying it will not require vaccines for purchase or entry, but it is “exploring the ability to offer solutions for event organizers that could include testing and vaccine information with third-party health providers.”  

Gabbard says he expects a variety of approaches, depending on the venue. 

“Everyone is going to make their own decision based on their own unique circumstances,” Gabbard said. “I don’t think there is going to be any uniformity to this because all of these venues are different.”