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Microsoft Theater awarded top hygiene accreditation by GBAC

Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles has secured GBAC STAR accreditation for hygiene safety standards from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC).

The accreditation provides third-party validation that venues and organisations are undertaking thorough cleaning, disinfection, and infection prevention strategies. It comes as venues around the world are starting to draw up plans for the safe return of spectators amid the ongoing risks posed by COVID-19.

The GBAC STAR facility accreditation is intended to assure the public that the venues have created and implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention throughout the venue.

In receiving this designation, the 7,100-seat arena – which is owned by AEG – in the LA LIVE complex has become the first mid-size theatre in Southern California to receive the highest level of accreditation as determined under the guidance of GBAC, a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association. It follows neighbouring Staples Center, which recently became one of the first arenas in the world to receive the GBAC STAR facility accreditation.

“We know that when the time is right for our guests, athletes, artists and our team members to experience the incredible energy within out venues again that our GBAC STAR accreditation demonstrates that we are taking the proper precautions to protect everyone once it is safe to resume hosting events,” said Lee Zeidman, president of Microsoft Theater.

“We are honoured to be one of the first GBAC STAR accredited arenas and theaters of its size leading the way in maintaining cleanliness and continuing to make the safety of everyone our No.1 priority.”

To achieve GBAC STAR accreditation, venues are required to demonstrate compliance with the program’s 20 core elements, which range from standard operating procedures and risk assessment strategies to personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness and response measures.

Microsoft Theater, which is operated by AEG Live, hosts over 120 music, family, dance and comedy acts, award shows, televised productions, conventions and product launches with over 500,000 guests passing through the doors annually.

This weekend it is due to host the WBA Super Welterweight Championship fight between Erislandy Lara and Greg Vendetti behind closed doors. The next scheduled event to welcome fans will be a Teo Gonzalez & Jorge Falcon show on October 2.

Image: Microsoft Theater (Instagram)