INTRUST Bank Arena has announced that Wichita Thunder home games will be played with a limited number of fans, starting with their home opener on January 1st.
The arena will have a number of health and safety measures to protect against the spread of COVID-19, and the Sedgwick County Health Department provided guidance in developing the steps that will be taken throughout the building.
The arena will allow 11.5 percent capacity for Thunder games. There will be six-foot seating distance between groups of fans, face masks will be required, there will be contactless and self-service ticket scanning and concession purchases. There will also be social distancing signage and plexiglass barriers at point-of-sale locations, along with strict procedures for hygiene and disinfection. The arena will also have a clear bag policy for all events. Each ticketed guest can carry one large clear bag, plus a small clutch purse. The bag can be a one-gallon plastic storage bag or a clear bag that measures 14 inches by 6 inches by 14 inches. More information is available at the web site intrustbankarena.com
The guidelines were developed by ASM Global, the manager of the arena, with its VenueShield program. The protocols will be in use at 300 ASM facilities around the world.
The measures include:
- INTRUST Bank Arena has upgraded its HVAC system to provide a higher quality of filtered air and has installed bi-polar ionization equipment throughout the facility.
- Electrostatic sprayers will be used to evenly disperse disinfectants across surfaces quickly and evenly.
- Common spaces will be subject to reduced capacity in order to best serve physical-distancing protocols, such as elevators, first aid rooms and restrooms.
- Additional staff will be dedicated to restrooms and other high-traffic areas, and the arena seating bowl will be fully disinfected prior to fan arrival.
- Hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the arena.
- Face masks will be required of guests and staff to enter the venue and should be worn at all times, unless actively eating or drinking. This policy will be strictly monitored and enforced.
- Reduced seating capacity for all arena events, including Wichita Thunder games, allowing for proper and safe six-foot distance between groups of guests.
- Reduced capacity within arena bars and lounges, with tables set six feet apart.
- Floor markers will be placed in all areas to help promote physical distancing of at least six feet.
