Proof of Vaccination Required for Concert Entry as Austin Returns to Stage 5 Status

Ahead of Jason Isbell’s planned concerts for August 7th-9th, ACL Live organizers have issued a statement regarding entry requirements, effective for all attendees.

Concert guests must provide either proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or a negative test result acquired within 72 hours of the event. These restrictions were put into place at the request of Isbell and his team, and apply to all shows scheduled at the Moody Theater, Sunday through Monday. Proof of vaccination or a negative test result must be provided for each night, even if guests plan to attend multiple performances.

Ticketmaster is offering refunds for attendees unable to meet these requirements. Refund requests must be placed through Ticketmaster directly, no later than 1 PM on Saturday,  August 7th.

Isbell addressed the new requirements in a statement on Twitter Thursday evening, following vocal backlash from fans and attendees.

“Nobody is forcing you to get a vaccine,” Isbell wrote. “Also, nobody is forcing me to go on stage. Behold our bodies and our choices.”

It is anticipated that similar requirements will be set at additional venues throughout the Austin area and beyond. This comes as Austin Public Health leaders returned Travis County to a Stage 5 status this past Thursday, in response to heightened risk levels associated with the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant.

“The virus is adapting to survive, and so must we,” stated Dr. Desmar Walkes of the Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “We are seeing an incredibly low number of staffed intensive care unit beds, and increased strain on hospital staff due to the Delta virus and its infection of unvaccinated individuals. We have vaccines that are safe and effective in protecting people who are fully vaccinated from severe illness and death. Each of us has the responsibility to keep our community safe. Please get vaccinated, and wear a mask.”

The key points of the Stage 5 recommendations include the following guidelines: wear a mask, even if fully vaccinated. If unvaccinated, remain home and avoid gatherings and travel. If you must go out, wear a mask when conducting essential activities, and consider getting vaccinated as soon as possible.

For a full list of updated CDC guidelines regarding Stage 5 status and the Delta variant, as well as guides for convenient vaccine access, please visit austintexas.gov.