COVID-19 moves Bradenton Blues Festival to a new venue. Here’s what you need to know
The 2020 Bradenton Blues Festival has a new venue because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Realize Bradenton, the organizer of the popular festival, says it will be relocated from the Bradenton Riverwalk to the LECOM Park baseball stadium. The dates remain the same, Dec. 4-5.
The move will allow for socially distanced seating and limited ticketing.
“If ever a year needed the improvisational style of the blues, it’s 2020,” the agency’s website states. “So, we proceed with care. Care for our musicians, our community, and our fans.”
Realize Bradenton Executive Director Johnette Isham did not immediately respond for comment but according to the website, the size of the audience will be cut by two-thirds the normal amount.
LECOM Park’s seating capacity is 7,500 and festival attendees will be limited to 1,100 over the two days. The Friday Blues Appetizer evening event will be limited to 500. Only 600 tickets will be sold for Saturdays main show.
Both events typically sell out well before the festival and it was unknown Friday how many tickets are still available. Purchases can be made at bradentonbluesfestival.org.
Know before you go
- Anyone attending the festival will be screened before entry. Anyone who is displaying symptoms such as a high fever will not be allowed entry. This includes staff, volunteers, musicians and attendees.
- Face masks will be required at all times, except when seated in socially distanced settings and for eating and drinking. There will be no exceptions and if you cannot wear a mask for any reason, you are asked not to purchase a ticket.
- There will be one entrance and one exit. If anyone leaves the stadium, they will not be allowed to return.
- General admission ticket holders will be able to pick up their tickets at the stadium’s will call counter and their seats will be assigned to ensure social distancing.
- The nearest available seating to the stage will be 60 feet away. Those purchasing field-level tickets will be seated together, but socially distanced from others.
- The stadium’s concession stands will be open for food and drink. Do not bring your own and practice social distancing while in line. Realize Bradenton recommends not bringing cash and to use touchless credit cards, if possible.
- There is no smoking at this event.
“These procedures reflect current thinking,” Realize Bradenton’s website states. “As more is learned over time, we will update you.”
Realize Bradenton announced the festival lineup in January, well before the pandemic hit the area.
Performers include 2020 Blues Hall of Fame inductee Billy Branch. His group Billy Branch & The Sons of Blues will headline at 6:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.
This story was originally published August 21, 2020 at 10:49 AM.