It’s that time of year again, and the CMA Awards are quickly rolling back around.
The ceremony will be held on November 10th, and while there’s been a lot of focus on Morgan Wallen’s ban from the ceremony this year, CMA CEO Sarah Trahern has some other news about the event.
After moving to the smaller Music City Center as a result of COVID last year, this year’s ceremony will once again be returning just across the street to Bridgestone Arena, and will allow the general public to buy tickets to the show.
But we’ve seen some country artists do with concerts, this year’s CMAs will require a full vaccination and mask to attend:
“We are so excited to return to Bridgestone Arena for this year’s CMA Awards ceremony.
We have a truly fantastic show in the works that we will share more about in the coming weeks. As we plan our return, it goes without saying that the health and safety of our guests and crew is our top priority.
Due to TV production protocols and venue and local rules, we will require all ticketed audience members to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination and wear masks unless actively eating or drinking.
Both the house and backstage will comply with all applicable local health and safety regulations, as well as requirements from the television unions. We look forward to bringing our fans a night to remember!”
According to Trahern, the policy will apply to “all ticketed audience members.” (Tickets go on sale to the general public who want to be a part of the audience on Monday, November 1).
She doesn’t say, however, whether participants such as performers, presenters and their guests will be required to show proof of vaccination to attend – only stating that “the house and backstage will comply with all applicable local health and safety regulations.”
While the city of Nashville hasn’t currently implemented any vaccine requirements or mask mandates, Bridgestone Arena is requiring attendees at all events to show either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. That includes all concerts and Nashville Predators hockey games.
The policy is slated to end on November 15th so it will still be in effect during the CMA Awards – so presumably, even the performers will have to show either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to get into the show.
