When COVID-19 hit, everything shut down, including live music performances. For the past year, fans have been forced to watch their favorite artists perform from a TV screen. But, after a long time of waiting, concerts are back and better than ever, leaving everyone grateful for the opportunity to have a fun night out with friends and family.

Even though everyone is happy about concerts and music festivals resuming, there still remain challenges to overcome. One of the main goals for each event is to avoid the spread of COVID-19. In order to keep everyone safe, venues have rules as to who can get in and how.

For most venues around the Bay Area, such as Shoreline or the SAP Center, proof of vaccination is required. If attendants are not vaccinated, then they must have a negative PCR COVID-19 test from the last 72 hours.

The difference between these two particular venues is the mask requirements. Shoreline is outdoors, so masks are optional for attendees. But, SAP Center is indoors, so masks have to be worn throughout the whole concert.

Freshman Hailey Degnan attended Luke Bryan’s recent concert at Shoreline. She enjoyed her experience and commended the concert for requiring proof of vaccinations and PCR tests.

“The fact that we had to show the actual card of vaccination definitely made me feel a lot safer,” said Degnan. “Probably because I knew people weren’t lying and were actually vaccinated.”

Concerts are one of the many events making a comeback after a year in lockdown. Everyone has learned to be safe by following the necessary precautions that come with attending a concert. Wearing a mask, bringing a proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, are the steps to having a safe and fun experience.