Wanna Go to a Concert? You May Have to Show a Negative COVID-19 Test Before Rocking Out.

It’s unclear when people will be able to gather without fear of contagion, but Ticketmaster proposes some ideas. 

The future of live entertainment remains uncertain. Will people be able to go to concerts, plays, and sporting events once everyone is vaccinated? It’s unclear when people will be able to gather without fear of contagion, but Ticketmaster proposes some ideas. 

On Nov. 12, the US-based sales and distribution company issued a clarification about the prospect of providing tickets to events as long as people can provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test. 

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“We have noticed there has been some misreporting around safety protocols. To clarify, there is absolutely no requirement from Ticketmaster mandating vaccines/testing,” Ticketmaster said in a statement. 

“In short, we are not forcing anyone to do anything. Just exploring the ability to enhance our existing digital ticket capabilities to offer solutions for event organizers that could include testing and vaccine information with third-party health providers. Just a tool in the box for those that may want to use.”

Ticketmaster stated they are not forcing COVID testing onto their ticket buyers. However, they are looking into ways to link ticket purchases to test results digitally. 

“We are trying to prepare for potential possibilities in the future,” the company said. “It has become more common for people to take a COVID test before activities like traveling and seeing loved ones. If this is something that event organizers or venues choose to ask fans to do in the future (either for their own preferences or due to local health requirements), we want to be prepared.”

In a statement to The Americano, Dave Shapiro, agent and owner of Sound Talent Group, which represents Latin artists such as Natalia Lafourcade, Calle 13, Julieta Venegas, and Kinky, among others, says this idea by Ticketmaster is probable. However, other considerations need to be met. 

“The ideas currently being discussed are a clear starting point, which is great, but until we see how the distribution of the vaccine goes, the percentage of people willing to take it, and people’s willingness to share that information, since there is no legal obligation to do so, it will be important that we continue to also work through smart ways to social distance, trace test, etc.,” Shapiro said. 

“It is incumbent upon us as concert industry enthusiasts and workers to make this a high priority for any and all live performances in the future. We can’t be part of furthering the problem but instead must be part of the solution by setting good examples in and out of the concert industry as we bring live events back,” Shapiro said.

He added, “The challenge is going to be doing it safely and making sure that people feel like the artists, venues, and staff are looking out for their well being.” 

Ticketmaster’s proposal involves a way for guests to link their digital ticket to their negative test results, vaccine status, health declaration, or any other information determined to provide access. A negative COVID result would allow for event entry. 

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“This would allow fans to enter an event with one scan of their ticket, rather than entering and then having to wait in another line to show their health verification,” Ticketmaster said. 

However, none of these ideas are being implemented at this time.