Vaccines, masks required as thousands get ready for Eric Church concert

In the first major concert in Saskatchewan since the COVID-19 pandemic started, Eric Church will perform Saturday in front of 14,000 fans at SaskTel Centre.

Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test are required to get in.

SaskTel Centre executive director Scott Ford joined Gormley earlier this week to discuss what people need to know before they go to the concert.

SaskTel Centre will be pre-screening for vaccination status Thursday and Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday starting at 6 p.m. To be considered fully vaccinated, a person’s last COVID shot can be no later than Oct. 9.

“We will match up their tickets with their photo ID and their proof of vaccination and we will wristband them with a tamper-proof wristband,” explained Ford.

A negative COVID test within 72 hours of concert time will also gain people access to the show.

Prairie Industrial Health Services will be doing testing on site on Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and at its location on Cleveland Avenue on Thursday and Friday.

“We will need to see their photo ID and their Eric Church ticket,” said Amy Lewis, owner of Prairie Industrial Health Services.

A COVID test before the concert will cost people $30 plus tax and it takes 15 minutes to get the results.

Once patrons are inside SaskTel Centre, masks must be worn at all times unless people are actively eating or drinking.

“Occasionally people will wander around, take a bite of their snack or take a sip of their drink, and we’re going to allow a little bit of that but we are going to encourage people to enjoy their food and refreshments in their seats,” said Ford.

A lot of people are anticipating the show as it’s a first in nearly 18 months.

“Everyone has been working hard to get ready for this show — it’s a big one for us. It’s the first big concert in Saskatchewan since March just before the Junos when COVID was first identified in the province,” said Ford.