(Photo: ENMAX Centre on Facebook)

By Justin Goulet

ENMAX Centre to adopt province’s ‘Restrictions Exemption Program’

Sep 17, 2021 | 10:35 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The ENMAX Centre is the latest venue in Lethbridge to announce its implementation of the province’s ‘restrictions exemption program’.

Individuals attending ticketed events at the ENMAX will need to show proof of partial vaccination as of September 20, 2021, and FULL vaccination as of October 1, 2021. The October date aligns with the Lethbridge Hurricanes’ regular season home opener against the Calgary Hitmen.

READ MORE: Lethbridge Hurricanes to implement ‘Restrictions Exemption Program’

The venue’s general manager Kim Gallucci said, “many, if not all of the organizations looking to host events at the ENMAX Centre are requesting a mandatory vaccination policy.”

“Given the size of our facility and the varied demographics of people coming in and out of the doors each day, we feel this is the safest and most responsible way forward.”

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General manager of the Hurricanes, Peter Anholt said, “as we continue to navigate these unprecedented times, we believe this policy to be essential in delivering a safe environment for our fans.”

“We thank our fans and sponsors for their support and cooperation in ensuring we are able to safely welcome everyone back into the ENMAX Centre.”

Below is a breakdown of the COVID precautions being taken for visitors to the ENMAX Centre:

• Beginning on September 20, the province’s ‘Restrictions Exemption Program’ will be implemented. Patrons 12 and older wishing to attend events at the ENMAX Centre must:
  • Provide proof of vaccination electronically, with an Alberta Health Services (AHS) card, or by bringing vaccination papers.
    • Single dose accepted for the September 24 pre-season Hurricanes game.
    • Double doses (full vaccination) required as of October 1, 2021
  • Show documentation of a medical exemption.
  • Provide proof of a privately paid negative PCR or rapid test within 48 hours of service (tests from AHS or Alberta Precision Laboratories are not allowed).
• New self-swerve ticket scanning system to limit touch points will be implemented at certain locations at the ENMAX Centre.
• Directional signage and controlled que entry to the building will be in place.
• Mandatory masking as per current AHS guidelines, except while eating or drinking at all ENMAX Centre events.
• Enhanced COVID cleaning and shields in place.
• 80 hand sanitizers installed throughout the venue.

Gold and Gold Productions President Ron Sakamoto said, “we’re seeing these types of protocols across the entertainment industry and I’d expect them to continue for some time.”

“We do not want to jeopardize the health of anyone attending an event and these precautions are the most effective way to protect artists, their crews and most importantly the fans.”

Additionally, the ENMAX Centre has made some operational changes to better align with industry standards and enhance safety at the facility, including:

• Walking through metal detectors.
• Smoking areas have been permanently removed from the venue and surrounding property.

Kim Gallucci said, “while we understand that not all changes will be seen as positive to all our patrons, these decisions have been made to create the best experience possible for visitors while ensuring the most effective health and safety measures are in place.”

The ENMAX Centre encourages its guests to arrive early to their chosen event as extra time may be required while visitors and staff adjust to the changes.

More details on the ENMAX Centre are available here.