The first socially distanced concert in the U.S. is happening next week

As states start to ease restrictions across the country, we've been left with a lot of questions like "When will national parks reopen?" and "Is this really what economy class airplane seats will look like?" and most importantly of all, "What will concerts be like in the future?" At least for the last question, we're getting a sneak peek next week. 

TempleLive concert venue in Fort Smith, Arkansas announced it will host an acoustic show by singer Travis McCready (of country-rock band Bishop Gunn) on May 15 in what is slated to be the country's first socially distanced concert. 

In keeping with the CDC's social distancing guidelines, a number of restrictions have been put in place at the venue (which is operating at 20 percent capacity). Audience members will be sat six feet apart, with only 229 total tickets sold for the 1,100-capacity venue. Tickets are priced at $20 and will be sold in clusters of anywhere from two to 12 people, but attendees will have to purchase an entire section in order to check out. 

Other safety measures include one-way entrances and exits, a ten-person limit in the bathrooms and only pre-packaged or sealed food and beverage options. The venue will also be sanitized with fog sprayers before every performance, all patrons will have their temperatures taken before entry, and face masks will be available for purchase before the show.

"This isn’t going to be a thing to make money with, but it’s a step back toward normalcy and best practices that we can institute ... We wanted to give something back to the community” TempleLive’s Mike Brown told local news channel KNWA. 

So, is what concerts are going to look like in the future? For now, we're ok with it. At least we won't have to wear one of these crazy, high-tech protection suits. 

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