Chicago’s Metro Requires Vaccination For All Attendees, Effective Immediately

In the wake of rising COVID-19 cases throughout the country, many places are putting their foot down in allowing entry to unvaccinated patrons, including one of Chicago’s most storied and beloved music venues, the Metro.

The venue, which has been hosting concerts in the city since 1982, announced on Aug. 3 that it would no longer allow in any concert goers who are unvaccinated. The announcement was made both on the venue’s social media channels, as well as in emails sent to ticket purchasers announcing the venue’s intention to help avoid the spread of COVID-19 at its concerts.

“Acting in the best interest of our most vulnerable communities, we are requiring all patrons to show proof of vaccination with [the] last dose administered at least 14 days prior to [the] date of arrival,” the Metro said in an email to ticket purchasers.

This news also arrived at the same time as New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio announced a new proof of vaccination requirement for most indoor events in New York City, including dining at restaurants, working out at a gym, attending a movie or a play, starting August 16. Just a couple days ago, Japanese Breakfast announced that all upcoming shows for this tour will be masked and require either proof of vaccination or a negative PCR within 48 hours preceding the show. 

In addition to only allowing in vaccinated attendees, the venue recommends that they remain masked throughout the concert. The new policy is effective as of Aug. 2.

Attendees will be required to provide proof of vaccination as well as a photo ID at the door before entering the venue. A photocopy or photo of a vaccine card on attendee’s phones will be accepted, but it has to be clear and legible, according to the Metro. The last dose also has to have been administered at least 14 days before attending a concert at the venue.

“We value our fans more than words can tell, and we greatly appreciate you working with us to ensure the safety of all, especially our most vulnerable communities,” the Metro said in a statement on its website. “Together, we can keep the music playing within our walls.”

Unlike Lollapalooza, which allowed in concert goers who were unvaccinated but had tested negative for COVID-19, the Metro will not be allowing in anyone who is unvaccinated, even if they have tested negative for the virus within 72 hours.

This announcement comes in the wake of Chicago’s largest music festival, Lollapalooza, which hosted more than 385,000 attendees in Grant Park from July 29 through Aug. 1, and received criticism for being such a large event while the Delta variant is leading to rapidly rising case numbers throughout the country.

As always, the policies and guidelines that they set out are always likely to change according to city and state guidelines, but for now, if you want to head out to a concert at the Metro you’ll need to make a vaccine appointment first.

Featured image credit: Joshua Mellin