Concertgoers attending Las Vegas shows from promoter AEG Presents will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative coronavirus test result, the company said in a news release.
The policy goes into effect Oct. 1, officials said.
AEG, a major tour and festival promoter, is putting on Day N Vegas Nov. 12-14 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on the Strip. It also operates The Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas, where Celine Dion begins her residency Nov. 5.
Additionally, AEG manages The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, which is hosting Russ: The Tour Before the Tour on Oct. 8 and Dropkick Murphys and Rancid on Oct. 15.
“We have come to the conclusion that, as a market leader, it was up to us to take a real stand on vaccination status,” said Jay Marciano, chairman and CEO of AEG Presents, in a news release. “Just a few weeks ago, we were optimistic about where our business, and country, were heading. The Delta variant, combined with vaccine hesitancy, is pushing us in the wrong direction again.”
AEG also puts on events with MGM Resorts International and Allegiant Stadium, but the new policy only applies to venues AEG owns and operates.
Earlier this week, other Las Vegas venues and events announced similar policies, including the Smith Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Las Vegas and the Life is Beautiful music festival, which runs Sept. 17-19. The Smith Center reopens Sept. 14.
"While the vast majority of our patrons tell us they are vaccinated, it is our responsibility to make everyone feel safe in the wake of the spread of the Delta variant and so we have recently instituted a vaccination requirement. This new policy is consistent with current best practices around the country, from Broadway to Hollywood," said a statement from the Smith Center.
Life is Beautiful officials echoed those comments in a statement, saying, "The health and safety of our guests remains our number one priority, and we are committed to creating a safe festival environment for festival attendees, staff, and artists.”
Masks will be required at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday when the Raiders open the preseason against the Baltimore Ravens, but fans won't have to provide proof of vaccination.
AEG said its policy would also apply to event staff and anyone who enters their venues or festivals. Those who are not vaccinated must show results of a negative test taken within 72 hours of a show date.
“We realize that some people might look at this as a dramatic step, but it’s the right one,” Marciano said. “We also are aware that there might be some initial pushback, but I’m confident and hopeful that, at the end of the day, we will be on the right side of history and doing what’s best for artists, fans, and live event workers.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.