The Hobby Center Foundation Announces Covid-19 Safety Policy Effective October 1st

The Hobby Center Foundation has announced updated health and safety policies effective October 1. These policies are based on the current information available.

The following will be required for all Hobby Center event attendees beginning October 1, 2021:

• All patrons ages 2 and older will be required to show either proof of a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination, and photo identification. Patrons ages 18 and older must bring a photo ID that matches the name on the proof. Guests younger than age 18 without ID must be accompanied by an adult with proper identification. Test results and proof of vaccination must meet the following criteria:   

• Patrons must bring a printed copy of the negative COVID-19 test results which matches the patron’s photo I.D. 
  • Both PCR tests and antigen tests are acceptable. The results must have been performed by a third party, such as a lab. At-home tests will not be accepted. 
  • Negative PCR test results must be dated within 72 hours prior to attending the event.  For example, if your event is on a Friday, the date of your test results should be between Tuesday and Friday.
  • Patrons who choose to take a rapid antigen test must obtain results within 6 hours of arrival. The results must have been performed by a third party, such as a lab. At-home tests will not be accepted. 

• Patrons who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 14 days after final dose of Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson) may bring proof of vaccination as a substitute for a negative COVID test result.
  • The final vaccination date must be 14 days or more, prior to performance date. 
  • Either the original vaccination card, a printed copy of the vaccination card, or a digital copy of the card, and a photo I.D. must be presented on arrival. 

Proof of a negative test result or proof of vaccination will be checked before entering the venue. Patrons are asked to allow extra arrival time for testing or vaccine verification. Late arriving patrons will be held outside the seating area for several minutes once the performance begins.

These policies are in addition to the current masking policy for all patrons and staff while inside the Hobby Center. Hobby Center staff and volunteers are all fully vaccinated, and there is a strict policy that all backstage personnel and onstage performers also must be fully vaccinated.

“As we navigate this ever-changing situation, the health and safety of subscribers, ticket holders, staff, artists, and all those who make up the Hobby Center community is our top priority,” Hobby Center Foundation President and CEO Fran Macferran said. “Our valued patrons and fellow Houstonians are our partners in maintaining an environment that will allow us to remain open. We are joining performing arts groups nationwide in an earnest effort to keep our industry alive while navigating the challenging conditions imposed by COVID-19.”

The Hobby Center Foundation is implementing changes to meet the rapidly changing conditions, guidance and recommended best practices. As conditions change, so may protocols and guidelines. Up-to-date health and safety information and policies for the Hobby Center can be found at www.thehobbycenter.org/covid.

The Hobby Center Foundation has announced updated health and safety policies effective October 1. These policies are based on the current information available.

The following will be required for all Hobby Center event attendees beginning October 1, 2021:

• All patrons ages 2 and older will be required to show either proof of a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination, and photo identification. Patrons ages 18 and older must bring a photo ID that matches the name on the proof. Guests younger than age 18 without ID must be accompanied by an adult with proper identification. Test results and proof of vaccination must meet the following criteria:   

• Patrons must bring a printed copy of the negative COVID-19 test results which matches the patron’s photo I.D. 
  • Both PCR tests and antigen tests are acceptable. The results must have been performed by a third party, such as a lab. At-home tests will not be accepted. 
  • Negative PCR test results must be dated within 72 hours prior to attending the event.  For example, if your event is on a Friday, the date of your test results should be between Tuesday and Friday.
  • Patrons who choose to take a rapid antigen test must obtain results within 6 hours of arrival. The results must have been performed by a third party, such as a lab. At-home tests will not be accepted. 

• Patrons who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 14 days after final dose of Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson) may bring proof of vaccination as a substitute for a negative COVID test result.
  • The final vaccination date must be 14 days or more, prior to performance date. 
  • Either the original vaccination card, a printed copy of the vaccination card, or a digital copy of the card, and a photo I.D. must be presented on arrival. 

Proof of a negative test result or proof of vaccination will be checked before entering the venue. Patrons are asked to allow extra arrival time for testing or vaccine verification. Late arriving patrons will be held outside the seating area for several minutes once the performance begins.

These policies are in addition to the current masking policy for all patrons and staff while inside the Hobby Center. Hobby Center staff and volunteers are all fully vaccinated, and there is a strict policy that all backstage personnel and onstage performers also must be fully vaccinated.

“As we navigate this ever-changing situation, the health and safety of subscribers, ticket holders, staff, artists, and all those who make up the Hobby Center community is our top priority,” Hobby Center Foundation President and CEO Fran Macferran said. “Our valued patrons and fellow Houstonians are our partners in maintaining an environment that will allow us to remain open. We are joining performing arts groups nationwide in an earnest effort to keep our industry alive while navigating the challenging conditions imposed by COVID-19.”

The Hobby Center Foundation is implementing changes to meet the rapidly changing conditions, guidance and recommended best practices. As conditions change, so may protocols and guidelines. Up-to-date health and safety information and policies for the Hobby Center can be found at www.thehobbycenter.org/covid.