HARRISON, N.J. (April 15, 2021) – The New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Arena announced today that the venue has received Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation ahead of fans returning to Red Bull Arena on April 17 for the start of the MLS season. Recognized as the gold standard of safe venues, GBAC STAR™ provides third-party validation to ensure the implementation of rigorous protocols in response to biorisk situations.
Red Bull Arena has implemented a series of physical changes, policies and protocols designed to ensure the health and safety of all fans, players, staff and other guests while continuing to provide world-class service and event experience.
The organization received STAR accreditation from GBAC after submitting a detailed plan outlining measures taken for infectious disease outbreak prevention, response and recovery.
Red Bull Arena and the New York Red Bulls have taken the following steps to ensure the health and safety of everyone who enters RBA, with regular review and updates to policies and procedures as needed:
- Providing the highest standards – set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention– for cleaning and sanitization throughout Red Bull Arena, alongside cleaning partner Atalian Global Services.
- Quarterly treatments at Red Bull Arena utilizing EPA registered, water-based, antimicrobial technology that provides persistent and continuous protection.
- Proper training for all on-site health and safety guidelines and policies.
- Updating the arena’s air filtration system, partnering with AtmosAir Solutions to install bi-polar ionization indoor air quality technology which keeps fans, players and staff healthy by reducing viruses, particles, bacteria, mold spores and volatile organic compounds in stadiums and arenas.
- Thoroughly screening all employees who enter Red Bull Arena.
- Creating a contactless restroom experience.
- Enacting a detailed contact-tracing program with all employees and guests.
- Partnering with hospitality and food service partner Delaware North to create a more contact-free environment, including but not limited to:
- Changing to individual packaging for food, condiments, and accessories.
- Adding additional grab-and-go locations to limit the amount a product is handled before reaching the guest.
- Providing additional contact-free ordering and payment methods.
- Implementing PLAY IT SAFE™ training for proper food preparation and handling for all service members.
As a division of the , GBAC STAR™ is an industry accreditation focused on ensuring a clean, safe and healthy environment. The program establishes requirements to assist venues by providing best practices, protocols and procedures to control risks associated with infectious agents, such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.
The organization has also published information outlining health and safety guidelines, entry protocols, and general venue information as fans return and re-familiarize with Red Bull Arena.
