CLEANING PROTOCOLS AND ATTENDEE SAFETY

The Raleigh Convention Center, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, and Red Hat Amphitheater are GBAC STAR™ accredited. Our Complex is the first multi-venue accreditation in North Carolina.

GBAC STAR™ is the cleaning industry’s only outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation for facilities.

This accreditation means that a facility has:

• Established and maintained a cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention program to minimize risks associated with infectious agents like the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
• The proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques, and work practices in place to combat biohazards and infectious disease.
• Highly skilled cleaning professionals who are trained for outbreak and infectious disease preparation and response.

Although most of the cleaning in the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts happens behind the scenes, our dedication to health and safety is always center stage.

• The City is requiring City employees to be fully vaccinated from COVID-19 by September 17 or be subject to weekly COVID-19 testing. 
• Disposable face masks are available for all staff members at all times.
• Staff have been directed to wear face masks at work in public areas or in spaces where 6' social distancing is not possible.
• Cleaning staff will be issued fresh gloves to avoid cross contamination of surfaces.
• Completion of the Count on Me NC COVID-19 statewide business pledge and training courses.
• Cleaning protocols to avoid and prevent cross contamination of surfaces.
• More rigorous and continual cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles, handrails, push plates, interior and exterior elevator buttons, desks, countertops, point-of-sale terminals, keypads, tables, chairs, seats, beverage stations, water fountains and dispensers, vending and ice machines, and trash receptacles.
• Increased and updated staff training on the thorough cleaning of restrooms, including partitions, mirrors, fixtures, countertops, toilets, urinals, paper product and soap dispensers, floors, door handles, knobs, baby changing stations, sanitary product containers, and handrails.
• Increased signage throughout the facility to remind visitors and staff to wash hands and practice social distancing.

The HVAC system in the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts meets the CDC recommended guidelines for filtration of the COVID virus. In addition, fresh air from outside is constantly being introduced into the system and all of the air in the room is continually filtered.

All air filters have also been updated to MERV 13 or higher. Filters with a MERV rating of 13 or higher are frequently used in a variety of medical facilities and will filter down to at least 0.3-1.0 micron particle size.

Centerplate, our in-house caterer, leads the way in food safety and thoughtful food preparation. While there is no evidence that COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses can spread through food, Centerplate has taken the following steps.

Our Team

• Increased training for all team members
• Completion of the Count on Me NC COVID-19 statewide business pledge and training courses
• New, targeted cleaning solutions, including CDC-recommended level products
• Increased number of sanitizing stations
• Increased cleaning schedule
• Three-ply surgical masks and gloves for all staff

Food Service

• Individually packed meals
• Modified buffet services
• Specialized packaging
• Adapted menus

Reduced Contact with Shared Surfaces

• Touchless payment options
• Point-of-sale barriers
• Wrapped silverware
• Single-use condiments

For the health and safety of all our guests and staff, we have implemented new entry procedures. Guests will enter the venue as follows:

1. If an event has a mask requirement, ushers will verify that guests are wearing a mask. Those without a mask will be provided one.

2. If an event has additional requirements (proof of full vaccination or negative covid-19 test, etc) those will be checked.

3. Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the center.

4. Guests will be guided through a security screening, which includes new bag size restrictions.

5. Ushers will verify tickets with a touchless ticket scanner.

All bags are now subject to search and must meet new size requirements. A small clutch or wallet is recommended and no bags larger than 12" x 12" x 10" will be allowed, this includes backpacks, camera bags, and large purses. *Diaper bags are allowed for guests with infants and toddlers (child must be present).

In addition to our new bag policy, guests will now be required to enter through a security screening, which includes the use of a metal detector. 

To minimize face-to-face contact, guests will be required to empty pockets and walk through metal detectors in case of an unsatisfactory or incomplete scan. If a secondary bag screening is required, guests will be provided with a clean surface to empty the bag’s contents. 

Please be aware entry requirements may vary by performance. Some event organizers may require masks, proof of vaccination and/or negative COVID-19 test based on certain artist and performer guidelines. These requirements will be listed on the event page on our website, the purchase page on ticketmaster.com, and will also be sent directly to ticket purchasers.

The City of Raleigh removed the city-wide mask mandate on Friday, February 25 at 5 p.m.

Please be aware, some event organizers may still require face masks and/or have additional entry requirements based on certain artist and performer guidelines. These will be listed on the event page on our website, the purchase page on ticketmaster.com, and will also be sent directly to ticket purchasers.

In accordance with Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order 215, the Martin Marietta Center can now host events at 100% capacity.