INDIANAPOLIS — Some Indianapolis venues and artists coming to the city will now require proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter concerts or events.
On Wednesday, The Hi-Fi in Fountain Square was the first venue in the Indy are to announce it will require guests to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. The new policy begins Wednesday, Sept. 1. Such precautions come as the venue has a stocked line-up with both local and nationally touring artists. The requirements are also in place for Hi-Fi's outdoor stage, the Hi-Fi Annex, and its Lo-Fi Lounge.
With the recent spike in COVID-19's delta variant, cities across the country are taking the extra step in precautionary measures to assure events can go on despite the ongoing pandemic.
"Our industry and artists demand a safe environment to perform. As such, it is our duty to ensure doing our best to ensure the safest possible experience for the artist and our customers," Hi-Fi wrote under its "Health Check & Safety Policies" on its website.
The Indiana Independent Venue Alliance (IIVA) and Indianapolis Arts Council announced last week they were teaming up to help venues across the state set up entrance procedures for verifications from guests. They're using a free app called "Bindle" which allows concert-goers to upload their health documents.
Some gathering places will also accept a photo of a vaccine card shown on a cell phone along with a photo ID, or the physical vaccine card also along with a photo ID.
MORE | Indianapolis arts organizations providing venues, residents with proof of vaccination support |
Hi-Fi's announcement follows a similar announcement from Live Nation — which operates the TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park, the Old National Center, and Ruoff Music Center. Live Nation will require all artists and fans to either show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test, where permitted by law, beginning October 4.
While concerts and large gatherings don't appear to be stopping any time soon, neither does the coronavirus pandemic. This is why the following artists and venues have announced entry requirements moving forward.
List of venues in Indianapolis now requiring proof of vaccination:
- Hi-Fi (includes Hi-Fi Annex)
- Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performances and events at Hilbert Circle Theatre starting Nov. 1.
- The Cabaret will begin requiring proof of completed vaccination for all audience members beginning Sept. 24.
- Indiana Repertory Theatre will require everyone 12 years of age and older to provide proof of full vaccination starting Oct. 6.
- Starting Sept. 14, the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir will require proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 PCR test for everyone 12 and older.
Other Central Indiana venues:
- The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel: As of Monday, Sept. 20, masks or other appropriate facial coverings will be required for anyone age 3 or older who is attending events, visiting or working on the Center’s campus. Masks must be worn at all times, except when actively eating or drinking. This requirement applies to patrons, staff, vendors and volunteers.As of Monday, Oct. 4, all patrons and other visitors age 12 or older must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination when entering any indoor space on campus, including the Palladium, the Tarkington and the Studio Theater. As an alternative, patrons may present physical or digital proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to the event. More information is available here.
- Buskirk-Chumley Theater in Bloomington: everyone attending public events at the theater will be required to provide either proof of vaccination against COVID-19 OR a recent negative COVID-19 test result beginning September 13. More information is available here.
List of performancces coming to Indianapolis that are requiring proof of vaccination:
- Maroon 5 - Ruoff Music Center
- Dead & Company - Ruoff Music Center
- Jonas Brothers - Ruoff Music Center
- Phoebe Bridgers - TCU Amphitheatre
- Daniel Sloss - Old National Centre
- Chelsea Handler - Old National Centre
Although The Vogue in Broad Ripple has yet to announce its own vaccine requirement, a last-minute change for a show Wednesday night led to some frustration from a ticket buyer.
Joe Emmert told WRTV he and his girlfriend had just learned Wednesday morning that Colin Hay, the artist they were expecting to see that evening, put a vaccine requirement in place for his performances.
Emmert said The Vogue offered him a refund but shared his frustrations about what he says was short notice.
"They're being nice about it, being reasonable about it. That's the good thing about it," Emmert said. "Two days ahead when you bought the tickets on August 2nd, isn't enough time."
“After experiencing 516 days of being unable to present indoor performances, we continue to carefully balance the safety of our audiences, staff, and artists with the concerns of privacy and individual freedom,” Shannon Forsell, the artistic director and CEO of The Cabaret, stated in a release to WRTV. “The national and international artists slated to perform at The Cabaret are coming from areas where these mandates are already in place and are making it clear that they expect this level of safety precaution to perform here — including Megan Hilty, who is set to perform a five-show sold-out run starting September 24."
WRTV Digital Reporter Shakkira Harris can be reached at shakkira.harris@wrtv.com. You can follow her on Twitter, @shakkirasays.
