Hella Mega Tour to light up TIAA Bank Field under COVID precautions

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Hella Mega Tour will make a stop in Jacksonville after the pandemic delayed the concert in 2020.

Setup was underway Friday for the event featuring Green Day, Fallout Boy and Weezer. TIAA Bank Field event organizers expected up to 35,000 people to attend.

It comes as COVID-19 cases are up 50% over the previous week across the state.

In a statement to Action News Jax, organizers said, “TIAA Bank Field is working closely with Live Nation and the tour to ensure that all event protocols and operational procedures are carefully coordinated.

The safety of stadium guests is always a top priority, and as such, Hella Mega will be open in compliance with applicable State and City guidelines in addition to customized event protocols based on the needs of the artist to create a safe and fun environment for all guests.

”Masks are encouraged but not required for concert goers who are not vaccinated. Masks are suggested in the parking lots and venue when guests are not sitting.

Individuals showing symptoms of COVID-19, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea are asked to stay home.

The venue is also asking those who are not fully vaccinated to stay home if they’ve been exposed to the virus.

Action News Jax asked Dr. Elizabeth DeVos, the president of the Duval County Medical Society, how to stay safe at the event.

”It is definitely a positive that this is an outdoor event, although people won’t be able to maintain the physical distancing that we’ve been recommending,” she said.

Because of that, DeVos recommended wearing masks and keeping good hand hygiene.

“I love music. I love concerts. I’ve been going to concerts my whole life. The opportunity to actually see this — I couldn’t pass up,” Jessica Capps said. She is going to the concert to celebrate her 40th birthday.

”Just take care of yourself. Do what you have to do. Wear your mask. Use your sanitizer,” she said.

Tickets are still available for purchase. TIAA Bank Field said refunds are not available, but hundreds have chosen to sell their tickets.

Katie Knaier is one of them. She said, “I’m not going because I don’t feel comfortable, as a vaccinated person, due to the spike in COVID cases. There’s too many people that are sick with COVID and have been vaccinated.”

The concert starts at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. The Hella Mega Tour made previous stops in Atlanta and Dallas.

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