How the Gorge plans to handle vaccine requirements, COVID safety as events return

As we prepare for the return of shows at the Gorge Amphitheater, vaccine requirements and COVID-19 safety measures have been front of mind for many.

With constant changes and speculation, things have been uncertain to say the least. But we finally have some answers and guidance on how things will likely look as we return home to one of the most beautiful venues in the world.

Last Friday, Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino announced that beginning on Oct. 4, all of the company’s events will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours prior to the event.

For those that are worried about having to carry around their vaccine cards at events, Live Nation’s guidelines state that events will allow concertgoers to show a photo of it in lieu of the physical card itself. Proof of vaccination must also match a person’s government-issued ID.

These new event rules come in the wake of Live Nation’s successful return of Lollapalooza in Chicago earlier this month, which saw similar requirements lead to minimal spread of COVID-19 among the festival’s nearly 400,000 attendees.

That said, Live Nation’s new policy doesn’t take effect until after the Gorge’s 2021 season concludes, meaning that vaccine requirements will be up to each of the venue’s individual event organizers.

Among the events that have already announced vaccine requirements in line with Live Nation’s new guidance include Bass Canyon and Phish, with the latter tightening the negative test window to 48 hours.

Neither Seven Lions’ Chronicles III show nor Beyond Wonderland — both being put on by Insomniac — have announced vaccine requirements for their own respective Gorge events this fall. That said, Insomniac founder Pasquale Rotella announced this week that the company will be requiring proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours “for the foreseeable future at all Insomniac events.”

Rotella did not specify whether that would apply to Chronicles III or Beyond Wonderland, noting that exceptions could be made for “certain states based on local laws.” He advised attendees of all the company’s events moving forward to look out for specific details for individual shows on event social channels and websites “within the next week.”

For Bass Canyon, organizers laid out expansive COVID safety protocols that they adhered to for the weekend. There were two COVID check-in tents for attendees: one in the campgrounds and the other near the festival entrance gates. Attendees were required to visit one of these tents to show vaccine proof or negative test results administered within the past 72 hours. Attendees then received a wristband that was required before they could enter the festival.

Also worth noting: Due to limited testing availability in Washington, Bass Canyon also accepted at-home test results. However, attendees still had to bring the physical negative test and in some cases were required to take an additional on-site test.

To prepare for events at the Gorge that require vaccinations moving forward, make sure to take good-quality photos of the front and back of your vaccine cards, bring your ID, and most importantly be safe. Remember to stay hydrated, watch out for one another, and most importantly have fun!