Connecticut’s Foxwoods Casino has reopened its largest indoor entertainment venue at 25 percent capacity. Performances resumed this month for the first time since March at the Grand Theater, thanks in part to the state entering phase three of its reopening.
“We have been intricately planning how to safely resume live, indoor entertainment for over four months, which resulted in a thoughtful and slow process to ensure we rebuilt the right infastructure in our theaters,” says Monique Sebastian, VP of entertainment and marketing for the casino.
Connecticut was one of the early hot spots of the pandemic, due in part to its interconnected nature and proximity to New York. The state went into a lockdown in mid-March as cases mounted, but has been able to slowly bring events and activities back online as case numbers subsided.
Governor Ned Lamont brought the state into its Phase 3 reopening on October 8. Both outdoor event venues and indoor space are allowed to reopen with up to 50 percent capacity limits in place, provided at least six feet spacing can be maintained between parties. Governor Lamont has resisted a rollback to phase two despite rising case numbers in the state, preferring instead to allow local authorities to determine localized rollbacks as case numbers dictated.
Foxwoods touts several safety measures as part of its reopening of the Grand Theater, including increased ventilation and hygiene protocols in addition to social distancing. Timed entry for patrons and masks are also required for all guests.
With a handful of shows already having taken place, the venue has Queen tribute band Almost Queen performing on November 5, with Vic DiBitetto, Anthony Rodia, Jerry Seinfeld, Rob Schneider and Bob Marley all scheduled between now and the end of 2020.
The full covid-safe plans at the venue are outlined on its venue safety page.
