Arkansas to host first socially distant concert in the US next week

TempleLive venue in Fort Smith, Arkansas, have announced a new concert for next week with Bishop Gunn's lead vocalist Travis McCready.

McCready will perform the concert on 15 May, and it's potentially the first concert that people can actually attend to take place in the US since the coronavirus pandemic began.

According to Pitchfork, the concert, which can usually host 1,100 people at maximum capacity, will allow 229 people in the venue to adhere to social distancing measures.

Attendees will have to have their temperature taken upon arrival and are required to wear face masks during the event. There's also a limit to 10 people in the bathrooms at one time, and all drinks will be prepackaged and have lids. Venue workers will also be operating a one-way walk system to enforce social distancing.

Those that have bought tickets will be assigned seats at least six feet apart per grouping of what Ticketmaster is calling "fan pods." Tickets can only be purchased in these pods of two to 12 seats to avoid socialising amongst groups that have not been social distancing together.

Billboard notes that prior to the event next week, the entire venue will be santised.

On Monday (4 May), Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson announced that live shows could return to indoor venues from 18 May. Hutchinson said in a press release, "We are attempting to move past the restrictions that have been necessary during this pandemic, but we must do so in a manner that is based on solid data. I am confident this measured reopening is the best approach that will allow us to enjoy these entertainment venues again. As we cautiously emerge from this difficult time, we will keep an eye on data for any evidence that we are moving too quickly."