Socially distanced venue to open in U.K.
By tsell on July 7, 2020
Dedicated socially distanced venue in Newcastle, England
By Trent Sell
While concerts may not look like the above photo for a long time, one U.K. venue is set to be the first dedicated socially distanced venue.
Virgin Money Unity Arena
With the music and live events industry flipped upside down, venues are looking for creative ways to host shows. The Virgin Money Unity Arena will be able to accommodate 2,500 people while maintaining socially distanced measures. The Newcastle, England racing track is being converted with 500 viewing platforms spaced six feet apart.
As of today(7/7), the venue has announced their first shows featuring Two Door Cinema Club, Supergrass and the Libertines.
Every aspect of this concert experience has been taken into consideration in order to meet health and safety guidelines. All steps from the parking, showing tickets, to getting food, will be distanced and contactless. After checking in, you will be escorted to your platform and can get food delivered to you via the Virgin Money Unity Arena App.
Staff will undergo additional safety training for healthy hygiene when serving food to concert-goers. “A brilliant innovation where people will be able to enjoy top bands in a safe, responsible and socially distanced way,” said Ged Bell of Newcastle’s city council.
The concept is being brought to life by SSD Concerts. Steve Davis of SSD Concerts’ commented, “We think even in these hard times the people of the northeast will come out in their thousands to see the artists they love.”
The venue has also pledged to give a limited number of tickets each show to National Health Service workers for free. Find more info and a visual sketch of the venue layout on their website.
