Supergrass, The Libertines & more to play new "dedicated socially distanced" UK venue
Amanda Hatfield
photo via Virgin Money Unity Arena
The UK is getting what's being billed as its "first dedicated socially distanced music venue" this summer. Virgin Money Unity Arena is scheduled to open in Gosforth Park, Newcastle, with shows currently set for August and September. Their initial schedule includes Supergrass (whose reunion tour hasn't made it to the US yet due to COVID-19), The Libertines, Two Door Cinema Club, and more.
As to how this "socially distanced music venue" actually works, according to the website, when you purchase a ticket to a show you'll be given an arrival time, and allotted a "viewing space," which you can't choose, or leave, except to use the bathrooms. There are 500 viewing spaces altogether, 2 metres (roughly six and a half feet) apart from each other, to hold a maximum of 2500 attendees. You can see what it's supposed to look like in the illustration above.
There will also be food and drinks available to order, that you'll need to pick up before you reach your viewing space, or order through an app while on site.
Here's more from their site:
How does the event work?
You can purchase your ticket for your chosen event online, you will then receive a confirmation email and e-ticket. Please keep hold of these. You will then be asked for your car registration and will be allocated a time slot for arrival.
When arriving at the entry gate you will be required to show security your e-ticket.
You will then be directed by staff to our car park. Once parked up you will join a socially distanced queuing system and be directed to the arena.
Our staff will then direct you to your personal viewing space where you can enjoy the show.
You can collect your pre-ordered food and drink on arrival. If you didn't get the chance to pre-order you can order via The Unity Arena app without leaving your area.
When the show ends our staff will safely direct you back to your car and you will be given directions to safely exit the site.
Ticket pages read:
You ticket will allow access to your socially distanced platform.
Please purchase your ticket for the number of people in your car and be aware that everyone on your platform MUST arrive in the same vehicle. Once you have entered the venue in order to abide by social distancing guidelines you will not be able to join any other groups platform.
Tickets are £15.00 per person, plus a surcharge of £20.00 per booking (not per ticket) to cover parking and reserving your viewing area.
Accessible viewing areas are available below in Section A - Accessible which include a free personal assistant.
Proof of requirement of assistance (e.g valid blue badge/confirmation letter of higher rate DLA) will be required at point of entry.
The name of the lead booker will be printed on each ticket.
The lead booker must be in attendance and photo ID checks will be made on entry.
ID must be in its original form and not a copy.
Car Registrations can only be used once per show.
The UK has also a five-stage plan for the return of live performances, and they are making £1.57 billion in grants and loans (or nearly two million dollars) available to art institutions, including music venues, museums, theaters, galleries, and cinemas, to survive the pandemic.
Filed Under: Coronavirus, Socially Distant Concerts, Supergrass, The Libertines, Two Door Cinema Club, Virgin Money Unity Arena
Categories: Music News, tour dates, venues