Increased health and safety measures and 500,000 free masks to be distributed
Fort Worth, Texas (November 25, 2020)—Visit Fort Worth, the Fort Worth Sports Commission, the City of Fort Worth, Fort Worth Convention Center (FWCC), Will Rogers Memorial Center (WRMC), Dickies Arena, Omni Fort Worth Hotel, Cowtown Coliseum and Stockyards Heritage Development Co. are partnering to ensure COVID-19 safety measures are implemented ahead of Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) activities Dec 3-12.
These venues will be hosting a variety of activities over the 10-day event including Christmas markets, a trade show and NFR-sanctioned competitions.
“We are delighted to welcome such a prestigious event as the NFR from Las Vegas, and fortunate to have the opportunity to showcase Fort Worth hospitality,” said Mike Crum, director of Public Events for the City of Fort Worth. “Visitors and residents alike are eager to enjoy some championship rodeo and holiday shopping, and we are taking special precautions to act responsibly to ensure their health and safety. The City of Fort Worth is all set to help businesses navigate COVID-related requirements to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.”
The Convention Center will have more than 80 hand sanitizer pedestals strategically located throughout the concourse and exhibit hall and Will Rogers will have over 100 stationed around the facility. Masks will be required, and temperatures will be taken for all guests, vendors and employees. Free masks will be available at both facilities. Health and hygiene signage have been placed throughout with special attention to entry doors, restrooms and other high-traffic areas. Plexiglass barriers have been installed in restrooms, concession stands and key areas around the facilities.
The Convention Center and Will Rogers have applied for the Global Biorisk Advisory Council’s (GBAC) Star Accreditation, which guides facilities on the establishment of comprehensive protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention. Based on GBAC guidelines, staff has been trained on and new equipment purchased for cleaning, disinfection and sanitizing protocols.
Visit Fort Worth and its Fort Worth Sports Commission division are coordinating NFR preparedness and events, working with the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), Texas Rangers Baseball Club, City of Fort Worth departments as well as downtown and Stockyards organizers.
“We want all NFR visitors to have a safe, enjoyable experience and feel comfortable in our city,” said Jason Sands, director of the Fort Worth Sports Commission. “Host venues, restaurants and hotels have been working diligently to make sure we are ready to safely welcome fans from across the country.”
Hospitality teams wearing red jackets will be stationed on Main Street downtown and on Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards with free masks, hand sanitizer and visitor guides. The City of Fort Worth has provided more than 500,000 disposable masks and gaiter masks for distribution. Hospitality teams will be circulating daily, Dec 3-12 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. downtown and 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. in the Stockyards. Hospitality representatives will also be stationed at downtown host hotels including the Omni Fort Worth, Worthington Renaissance, Sheraton and Hilton. Masks are also available at the Main Street Visitor Center, 508 Main Street, open daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. during NFR.
Stockyards Heritage Development and Cowtown Coliseum will host a number of activities December 3-12, including Cowboy Carnival, Cowboy Channel Tailgate, Hooey Fest and more. Stockyards Heritage will limit capacities at indoor events, perform temperature checks for employees when they arrive to work and require gloves for guest-facing staff.
Temperature checks and face masks will be required for all guests entering Cowtown Coliseum. All entertainers and their crews will be temperature checked and utilize hand sanitizer prior to setting up and performing. Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the buildings and property outdoors.
A dedicated sanitation team will also routinely clean high-traffic areas before, during, and after operating hours; increasing sanitization of hard and frequently touched surfaces. Increased signage encouraging the importance of handwashing, masks and social distancing will be placed indoors and outdoors throughout the Stockyards Heritage properties.
Dickies Arena is also taking additional steps to ensure guest health and safety during NFR.
The venue’s already high standards of cleanliness have been enhanced to provide the safest experience for all who visit the facility. Dickies Arena has made a commitment to providing an exceptional experience for all, which begins with providing steps dedicated to the health and safety of their team members, performers, patrons, and guests. Dickies Arena COVID-19 guidelines can be viewed here.
Omni Fort Worth Hotel, host to the PRCA Convention, will be implementing its new Omni Safe & Clean initiative.
“At Omni Hotels & Resorts, the health and safety of our guests and associates has always been, and always will be, our top priority,” said Larry Auth, general manager of Omni Fort Worth. “In an effort to Stay A Part of Safety, we have updated our already thorough cleaning guidelines and implemented additional processes and procedures to ensure your health, safety and comfort as part of the new “Omni Safe & Clean” initiative.”
The Omni Safe & Clean initiative follows the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and each individual Omni location will adhere to local and/or federal mandates. See full details here.
All Fort Worth host facilities will closely monitor updates from the CDC and local health authorities and follow recommendations and guidelines. To see more details of health and safety guidelines for each venue, schedule of NFR events and hospitality team information, please visit www.FortWorth.com/NFR.
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