The NorVa will require concertgoers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 starting Oct. 1

Norfolk — After September, patrons and staff of The NorVa must be fully vaccinated if they wish to attend shows at the downtown Norfolk venue.

The Bowery Presents, a regional concert promotion company that owns The NorVa, announced Thursday that venues across nation will require music lovers and employees to show proof of a coronavirus vaccine no later than October 1. The vaccination policy is limited as required by law, according to a news release.

“The date was chosen specifically to allow time for any eligible unvaccinated ticketholders and staff to reach fully vaccinated status should they choose to do so,” nationwide concert and tour promoter AEG Presents said in a news release.

Through the end of September, those looking to attend a show must receive a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event if they haven’t been vaccinated.

Jay Marciano, CEO of AEG Presents, said in a statement the decision was influenced by the surge in cases across the nation because of the delta variant, combined with the challenge of vaccine hesitancy. Marciano noted although people may look at it as a “dramatic step,” the company believes it is necessary to protect concertgoers, musicians and workers.

After shutting its doors in March 2020, The NorVa announced in June it would reopen this summer.

Sierra Jenkins, 229-462-8896, sierra.jenkins@virginiamedia.com