Marcela Irribarren/The Broadside
After a year-long pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, live music has returned to Central Oregon.
Many venues, including the newly remodeled Les Schwab Amphitheater, have opened back up this summer. With COVID-19 numbers spiking throughout the county, the Les Schwab Amphitheater has decided to add a few more precautions in order to remain open.
Starting August 29, 2021, all shows at Les Schwab Amphitheater, owned by Live Nation, require a negative COVID-19 test result received within the last 72 hours or proof of being fully vaccinated.
For those who haven’t received the vaccine, there are opportunities to get tested before going to a concert. Curative, a health service provider, offers free COVID-19 testing for concertgoers via mobile vehicle. Testing is available every show day from noon to 7 pm and is located at the westside parking lot of the Old Mill District, next to the amphitheater. Test results are delivered electronically for rapid tests within 10 to 15 minutes or 24 to 48 hours for PCR tests. Visit curative.com to make an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome!
After going through the gates, the venue has vendors offering different types of food. If you’re craving something sweet, there’s Ben and Jerry’s and kettle corn.
Don’t forget to grab your drink bracelet, which makes the line go faster since they card you when you receive the bracelet.
There are many booths with different alcoholic beverages to enjoy.
Don’t forget to bring a jacket, because the nights get cold.
All staff and vendors are fully vaccinated and offer plenty of sanitation stations throughout the venue. Masks are required for entry and are to be worn when social distancing isn’t possible.
Eric Carne-McPherson, site maintenance and tech assistant for Shevlin Hixon Entertainment LLC has been working with Live Nation for the past three months.
“Everyone has been cooperative with the new rules in place,” said Carne-McPherson. “Some bands that came through even requested doubling masks.”
Les Schwab Amphitheater still has 3 more concerts to offer. Visit bendconcerts.com to buy tickets and receive the latest information about COVID-19 protocols.
