MIDFLORIDA amphitheater now requires COVID-19 vaccination or negative test for all shows

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – Starting this week, spectators will be required to show proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test, to attend concerts at the Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheater.

“We are committed to doing everything possible to ensure that we can continue to provide incredible live concerts to fans. As a reminder, from October 4, before entering the Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheater, all shows will require attendees to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of the event. event or a full COVID-19 vaccination (at least two weeks after the last dose). Proof must be a printed copy of a negative test result or vaccination or the original vaccination card, ”the site posted on its Facebook page.

A concert for rapper NF will take place on Tuesday evening as early fans of the event learn about the new rule.

A viewer told News Channel 8 he discovered the change at the last minute.

“We received an email last night telling us at the last minute that we needed a test to be able to enter the amphitheater,” said River Burbage, who purchased tickets for the NF concert on Tuesday.

“We struggled all night to find a spot and we finally found a spot this morning and had to pay to get some quick tests,” Burbage said.

The site posted on Facebook on Tuesday that a limited number of tests would be available on the site for the NF show.

“For $ 39.99, you can sign up to receive a Rapid Covid Antigen test on site. Simply schedule your 15 minute rapid antigen test, show up to the site at your desired time, and head to the designated testing area. Your confidential results will be downloaded to your phone so you can enter the doors with proof of a negative test! According to the post.

“I think when you have a lot of people, especially Florida, you know, with a lot of people coming from different places, I think that’s a good step to take,” said Kelly Freeman, who supports the new rule.

“We think we are getting out of the woods. Rates are dropping, deaths are dropping, hospitalizations are starting to drop again. Everything is a good sign. I think it’s the prerogative of private site owners to say that we want our site to be safe and that we want to be able to continue offering things in the future, ”said Dr. Jay Wolfson, Senior Associate Dean for health policy and practice at USF Morsani College of Medicine.

Dr Wolfson believes this requirement will help slow the spread of Covid-19, but also highlights possible challenges due to a new Florida law that prevents companies from requesting proof of vaccination.

“Florida law and Florida Executive Order prohibit anyone from requiring proof of vaccination. I think it’s going to catch on in some court systems, and there will be challenges, ”said Dr Wolfson.

Some people have lodged complaints on the amphitheater’s Facebook claiming the new rule was implemented after purchasing tickets.

8 On Your Side has contacted Live Nation for comment, but has not received a response.