Communication Strategy

 

• Chicago Red Stars communicated to the general public and to all ticket holders that games can be held at full stadium capacity starting on June 19, 2021 per the Illinois Coronavirus Phase 5 Guidelines. This included:

  • Email

  • Website

  • Social Media channels including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

  • SeatGeek (ticketing provider)

  • Mobile app when applicable

​

• In addition to communication to ticket holders and the general public a detailed communication plan will be in place to notify any essential working personnel of the following guidelines:

  • Stay home if person is not feeling well or reside with anyone who is sick.

  • Any additional stadium policies for stadium staff including face coverings, temperature checks, physical distancing and personal hygiene will be enforced as required.

  • No non-ticketed guests will be permitted at the event.

​​

• In addition to the above communication channels, we will incorporate the following methods to communicate protocols and changes to standard operation:

  • Signage throughout the venue including at the gates.

  • Use of stadium video boards to update fans that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear face coverings

  • Security and Guest Services personnel will remind fans of protocols as necessary.

  • Proper training of Staff, Volunteers, Security and Guest Services staff to answer questions.

​

• Announcements made during events will be both audible and visual to accommodate people with sensory challenges.

​

​

Parking Procedures

​

• Chicago Red Stars managed lots will be controlled by digital parking passes which will be issued only to those who are ticketed for admission to the specific game.

  • Cash and credit card payment will be accepted on the day but not encouraged.

• Digital parking passes will be purchased and issued through SeatGeek (ticketing provider).

• If a digital parking pass cannot be obtained, the ticket holder may use a print at home PDF.

• The parking staff will scan the parking pass without touching the ticket holder’s phone or print at home PDF.

• Media, team personnel, employees, interns, and volunteers will park in designated lots.

• Fans will be allowed to tailgate in the parking lots. It is encouraged to avoid communal food/drink if tailgating with those outside of their pod.

​

​

Ticketing and Entry Procedures

​

• All fully vaccinated individuals will not be required to wear a mask or face covering when outdoors. It is required that individuals where a mask when indoors regardless of vaccination status.

• All non-vaccinated individuals that enter SeatGeek Stadium, including children over the age of two, will be required to wear a cloth face mask or covering at all times except when actively eating or drinking. Patrons unwilling to comply may be asked to leave the venue.

• All Red Stars staff and volunteers will have extra disposable masks available.

• As part of the communication to ticket holders they will be advised which gate to enter and reminded that gates open one hour prior to kickoff.

• Red Stars season ticket members will have a separate entrance at each gate.

• Elevators will be limited to only premium ticket holders and guests with disabilities or mobility issues

• Signage will be placed at each gate notifying all attendees that they should not enter if they are sick or not feeling well.

• Once at the gate all ticket holders will go through standard security procedures. Only clear bags that require visual checks will be permitted.

  • Special considerations will be made for guests with medical needs and parents caring for infants.

• Chicago Red Stars will strongly encourage all fans to use mobile tickets when entering SeatGeek Stadium, if a mobile ticket cannot be obtained, the ticket holder may use a print at home PDF ticket.

• Ticket scanning personnel will scan the ticket without touching the ticket holder’s phone or print at home PDF.

• At the conclusion of the game fans will be asked to exit through the same gate they entered and proceed directly to their vehicles.

​

​

Seating Procedures

​

• Per CDC and current Illinois Phase 5 guidelines, the Chicago Red Stars have eliminated socially distanced seating at SeatGeek stadium as of June 19. This is subject to change at any point based on CDC and State Guidelines.

• All Season Ticket Holders have been moved back to their originally selected seats as of July 11.

• Suites and VIP Club are in use at full capacity as of June 19.

• Only guests with appropriate tickets will be permitted in the suites and VIP Club.
  
  
   

Concourse, Concessions and Restrooms

​

• Dedicated event staff will oversee restrooms to ensure cleanliness.

• Bathroom entrance/exit doors will be propped open as needed.

• Children may remain with adult.

• Lines for all restrooms will be one way traffic flow if possible.

• Limited concourse sponsorship and ticket sales activations will be permitted and must be confirmed at least ten business days in advance of a game.

• The SeatGeek stadium concession operator, Spectra, has implemented several initiatives for safe operations of concessions and other food and beverage locations.

  • These precautions meet the current food service & handling guidelines and include no self-serve distribution of food, condiments or beverages and all items sold will be delivered in an enclosed container or wrapped.

  • All cups will be served with lids and all condiments will be packaged.

  • Plexiglass barriers are installed at all points of sale.

  • Spectra is accepting credit cards, debit cards, and cash, but ticket holders will be highly encouraged to pay with credit or debit cards to minimize physical interaction between patrons and employees.

​

​

Merchandise

• The merchandise vendor for the Chicago Red Stars, Soccer 2000, will implement contactless shopping.

  • Ticket holders will have the ability to place an order for contactless pickup using the Chicago Red Stars mobile app.

  • All Soccer 2000 staff will wear proper PPE during the order preparation and pickup process

  • Additional point of sales will be utilized to ensure no overcrowding in lines.

​

​

Media Protocol

• All media must apply to the CRS Communications Department and be approved for a full season or single game pass.

• Fully vaccinated media personnel will not be required to wear a mask or face covering when on the open air balcony on press row. It is required that media personnel wear masks when indoors regardless of vaccination status. Media personnel must remain masked if undertaking an in-person interview with player/coach.

• Media will park in the East lot and enter/exit through Gate E

  • Media will be subject to security and bag checks at check-in

• Media will be hosted in the Ida B. Wells Press Row on the west side of the stadium

  • Media will not have access to the field, tunnel or back of house areas

    • ISI Photographers will follow the ISI / NWSL protocols

  • All game day interviews will be conducted virtually until further notice

  • Seating in the press row balcony will be socially distanced and assigned by CRS Communications staff

• Media meals will be provided and all meals will be individually packaged

  • All meals must be consumed on the balcony. No food should be consumed inside.

• ISI Photographers must enter and exit the field at designated point and must stay behind the field boards at all times

  • ISI photographers may approach the bench side only to secure the starting XI photo for each team

​

​

Staff Protocol

• Fully vaccinated staff members will not be required to wear a mask or face covering when outdoors. They are required to wear face coverings when indoors. In addition, staff members who have access to the locker rooms, back of house area or interacting with team staff/ players are required to wear a face covering in these areas at all times.

• Selected Game Day personnel will continue to participate in COVID testing the week of each match

• Staff will park / enter in a separate location to players and team staff

​

​

Cleaning Procedures

• All fully vaccinated stadium staff will not be required to wear a mask or face covering when outdoors and will follow stadium specific guidelines. Masks will be required indoors.

• Prior to the match, all fan accessible areas will be sanitized by stadium cleaning staff.

  • Stadium seats, Restrooms, Suites, Elevators etc

• Throughout the match, stadium cleaning staff will monitor, clean and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces.

  • Stair railings, Concession stand counters, door handles etc

• Restrooms will be cleaned throughout the match and restroom doors will be propped open where possible.

• All Chicago Red Stars personnel will have access to hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and necessary PPE.

​

​

Suspended Items / Activated

This list of currently suspended items & activities is subject to change and will be communicated through all appropriate Red Stars channels:​​

• Fan experiences

  • High five tunnel

  • Benchwarmers

  • Player escorts

  • Ball Kids

    • Ball kids are replaced with ball stands and CRS staff/volunteers with disinfectant, towel, gloves and mask

• General admission seating

​

​