TIM HORTONS FIELD RETURN TO STADIUM
FOUR PILLARS OF PROTECTION
In accordance with the Province of Ontario and Public Health recommendations, Tim Hortons Field is embracing four pillars of protection. By adhering to all four pillars and encouraging others to do the same, the overall risk of transmission and infection should remain low. This is an important consideration if we want to get past the pandemic and return to a world where large events are a cornerstone and bring our community together. You should do everything in your power to always observe the following pillars while at Tim Hortons Field.
It is crucial that individuals do what they can to maintain a distance of two meters between themselves and others around them, while not in their seats at Tim Hortons Field. This helps reduce the risk of indirect and close contact transmission, but also by virtually eliminating physical transmission.
Research has proven the effectiveness of face coverings in preventing the spread of Covid-19. It is mandatory for all fans to wear a face covering that covers both the nose and mouth while inside the stadium perimeter. All local and provincial guidance on masking will be followed.
Proper hygienic practices and making a habit of cleaning surfaces before and after use will help drastically reduce the risk of transmission. This includes, but is not limited to: using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, washing hands thoroughly, and avoid touching your face.
A NEW GAMEDAY EXPERIENCE IN 2021
All Forge FC tickets, including parking passes, will be digital for the 2022 season. Forge FC will track all fans that enter the stadium and track where they are seated in the stadium for contact tracing purposes.
100% cashless stadium for both concessions and retail operations. All POS systems will be equipped to assist fans with Credit, Debit and gift cards, removing the need for cash transactions.
Prior to gates opening the flagship store will be open for fans but standard screen protocols will be in place before fans enter. To support less fan movement around the facility, additional retail kiosks will be available for fans across the stadium.
Concessions will be 100% cashless for the 2021 season. Purchases will be made using tap with VISA, MasterCard, Debit, gift cards and concession value loaded to digital game tickets. All food will be served in protective to-go packaging and all condiments and cutlery will be individually packaged. No items will be self-service, and all previously used condiment stations will be removed.
Fans will be encouraged to remain in their designated seats throughout the game, unless using the restroom or purchasing concessions.
Access to public elevators will be reserved for accessibility needs only. Caregivers or fans attending the game with the person will also be permitted to use the elevator.
Fans will be directed to exit via the same gate that they used to enter the stadium, a reverse of how they entered. When exiting seats for concessions or washrooms or following the game, fans will be instructed to wait for aisles to clear and follow the instructions provided by ushers to avoid congestion and maintain physical distancing.
Upon entry into the stadium, fans will be asked to immediately head to their seats unless they are requiring use of the washrooms. Fans will be encouraged to avoid standing in groups on the concourse. No in and out privileges will be granted during stage 3 of Covid protocols.
Washrooms will be operated with reduced capacity – each washroom will have its own capacity based on the size/configuration. All pinch points within washrooms will be eliminated to allow for a comfortable flow of traffic. Dedicated washrooms will be available for each seating area.
There will be sanitizer stations throughout the facility in areas that do not already have a hand sanitizer unit installed (specifically upon gate entry), making hand sanitizer readily available throughout the entire venue.
If fans in the stadium begin to feel ill, they should find help immediately. The stadium’s on-site medical team will be fully prepared to help and will have personal protective equipment. First aid rooms will be available on each side of the venue.
To reduce the risk of transmission, additional sanitizer kiosks/stands will be installed throughout Tim Hortons Field. Staff will regularly clean all high-touch surfaces with antibacterial spray and wipes.
If you think you might have come into contact with someone who is COVID-positive or you feel unwell and demonstrate symptoms of COVID-19, self-isolate and get tested. If we can detect the presence of the virus, it can help us and local health authorities fight the pandemic.
Proof of Full Vaccination
Proof of full vaccination (minimum of 14 days prior to game) using the updated government issued QR code is required for all fans aged 12 and older attending Tim Hortons Field for a match day:
- All fans aged 12 and up
- Government issued vaccination QR code (minimum of 14 days prior to match)
- Government issued identification
- Government of Canada approved vaccines only
Please note: If you were vaccinated outside of the province of Ontario or outside of Canada, please provide a digital PDF or printed copy of your government issued vaccination confirmation receipt for your Government of Canada approved vaccine.
Click here to download your QR code proof of vaccination.
Proof of a negative COVID-19 test will no longer be accepted for admittance to ticketed events.
EXEMPTIONS:
- Patrons with a written document by a physician or a nurse practitioner, stating that they are exempt for a medical reason from being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the effective time period.
- Must present identification and written documentation.
Physical Distancing
It is crucial that individuals do what they can to maintain a distance of two meters between themselves and others around them. This helps reduce the risk of indirect and close contact transmission, but also by virtually eliminating physical transmission.
Capacity Restrictions
There will be reduced capacity and guided fan traffic flow to allow for physical distancing throughout the venue with six feet of separation and reduced capacity within the seated areas of the stadium as per public health restrictions.
The Tim Hortons Field ticketing manifest will open seating inventory capacity not exceeding the provincial guidelines.
Face Coverings
Research has proven the effectiveness of face coverings in preventing the spread of Covid-19. It is mandatory to wear a face covering that covers both the nose and mouth while inside the stadium perimeter. Local and provincial guidance on masking will be followed.
Cleaning & Hygiene
Practicing proper hygienic practices and making a habit of cleaning surfaces before and after use will help drastically reduce the risk of transmission. This includes, but is not limited to: using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, washing hands thoroughly, high touch surfaces, and avoid touching your face (unless with clean hands).
Protect, Detect & Training
If you think you might have come into contact with someone who is COVID-positive or you feel unwell and demonstrate symptoms of COVID-19, self-isolate and get tested. If we can detect the presence of the virus, it can help us and local health authorities fight the pandemic. Employees will be required to complete a self-assessment health questionnaire prior to each event, while spectators will agree to the symptoms self-assessment as part of their ticket purchasing process. Screening protocols will align with the ministry’s latest screening tools. Tim Hortons Field is also committed to providing training to all employees on the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), correct cleaning procedures, and de-escalation training.
Cashless Stadium
All transactions at Tim Hortons Field will be 100% cashless. Accepted forms of payment will include VISA, MasterCard, Debit, American Express and valid Forge FC/Tim Hortons Field gift cards. Mobile ordering may be added this season for convenience and safety, allowing fans to place their orders from their seats and pick up from their closest concession stand when ready.
- Concessions will be 100% cashless for the 2021 season. Purchases will be made using tap with VISA, MasterCard, Debit, and Forge FC/Tim Hortons Field gift cards.
- All retail locations, like all other areas throughout Tim Hortons Field, will be 100% cashless and will be spread out across the stadium.
Retail
Prior to gates opening the flagship store will be open for fans but standard screening protocols will be in place before fans enter. To support less fan movement around the facility, additional retail kiosks will be available for fans across the stadium.
All retail locations, like all other areas throughout Tim Hortons Field, will be 100% cashless and will be spread out across the stadium.
Food & Beverage
Tim Hortons Field concessions will see the following changes for the 2021 season:
- Promote 100% cashless transactions
- Single serve condiments and individually packaged menu items
- Staff training (PPE requirements and proper use)
- Masks mandatory and eye protection recommended indoors or when physical distancing can’t be met.
Concessions will be 100% cashless for the 2021 season. Purchases will be made using tap with VISA, MasterCard, Debit, gift cards and concession value loaded to digital game tickets. All food will be served in protective to-go packaging and all condiments and cutlery will be individually packaged. No items will be self-service, and all previously used condiment stations will be removed.
Concession lines will be marked with physical distancing floor markings/directional signage and will have stanchions in place to guide line-ups. Portable concession carts that can’t promote physical distancing will be removed from the East and West concourses to alleviate concourse congestion and create more space for traffic flow throughout the open concourse.
Concession menus will be reduced to limit offerings to increase speed of service and ensure only items that can be completely enclosed in packaging will be served.
All concession staff will wear masks and will wash their hands regularly. Protective barriers or face shields will be required at concession stands between the cashier and the fans to further limit contact.
The Coors Original bar and the Craft garden areas (located on the lower east concourse of the south and north ends) are in an open aired concourse. These beverage locations will remain open but the number of POS systems will be reduced to allow physical distancing. Enhanced activities such as a private DJ will be removed at this time to discourage social gathering in the concourse.
Controlled Concourse Movement
Fans will be encouraged to remain in their designated seats throughout the game unless using the restroom or purchasing concessions. To reduce congestion on the concourse, signage will be in place (TV Displays) along with staff and volunteers to provide guidance/instruction to fans.
- Concourse traffic will be monitored to avoid fan interaction while on the concourse.
- When moving on stairwells and through the venue, fans will be instructed to remain to their right.
- Announcements will be made reminding fans to maintain physical distance and not linger on the concourse.
Elevator Access
Access to public elevators will be reserved for accessibility needs only, caregiver or fan attending the game with the person.
Each elevator will have an elevator operator at all times to limit/restrict access, direct fans, and sanitize the elevator between uses.
The only exclusions will be media requiring access to level 7 and coaches whom are escorted as part of Zone 1 access; these will be on one dedicated elevator located inside the gate 3 lobby.
Stadium Egress
Fans will be directed to exit via the same gate that they used to enter the stadium, a reverse of how they entered. When exiting seats for concessions or washrooms or following the match fans will be instructed to wait for aisles to clear and follow the instructions provided by ushers to avoid congestion and maintain physical distancing.
In the second half of soccer matches held at Tim Hortons Field, a video will play reminding fans to exit from the same point they entered into the stadium and to maintain physical distancing at all times.
Staff will be positioned throughout the sections to remind everyone to maintain physical distancing upon exiting.
No in and out privileges
Upon entry into the stadium, fans will be asked to immediately head to their seats unless they are requiring use of the washrooms. Fans will be encouraged to avoid standing in groups on the concourse. No in and out privileges will be granted during stage 3 of Covid protocols.
Washrooms
Our organization and the City of Hamilton understand that washroom safety will be a high level of concern for fans returning to the venue based on the requirement of use and number of high touch points. To alleviate this concern there will be several measures put in place.
- Pre-event cleaning and disinfecting will be completed before each event with a fogger disinfecting prior to opening the facility for each event.
- Washrooms will be operated with reduced capacity – each washroom will have its own capacity based on the size/configuration.
- All pinch points within washrooms will be eliminated to allow for a comfortable traffic flow.
- Dedicated washrooms will be available for each seating area.
- Physically distanced queuing will occur outside the washroom.
- Two hand sanitizer dispensers will be in place at each washroom, one upon entrance and one at exit.
- All washrooms have touch-less sinks and hand dryers.
- A dedicated cleaning staff member per washroom will be present to regularly clean and disinfect surfaces.
- Post-event Health Canada approved disinfecting of all washrooms to occur immediately following each event.
- Capacity guidelines will be posted at each washroom and physical distancing markers will be in place in each washroom where required.
Hand Sanitizer Stations
Our club will add 30+ sanitizer stations throughout the facility in areas that do not already have a hand sanitizer unit installed (specifically upon gate entry), making hand sanitizer readily available throughout the entire venue.
Fans will be encouraged to use hand sanitizer upon entry to the facility and will have access to other hand sanitizer units at all washrooms and common areas in their path of travel as well as being encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly whenever possible.
First Aid
If fans in the stadium begin to feel ill, they should find help immediately. The stadium’s on-site medical team will be fully prepared to help and will have personal protective equipment. First aid rooms will be available on each side of the venue.
If a fan feels ill at any point before leaving or on their way to the stadium, are showing any signs of COVID-19 symptoms or have come into contact with anyone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19, we ask them to be a good teammate and stay home.
Stadium Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols
To reduce the risk of transmission, additional sanitizer kiosks/stands will be installed throughout Tim Hortons Field.
Staff will regularly clean all high-touch surfaces with antibacterial spray and wipes. This includes all point-of-sale locations, restroom facilities, bag check locations and other common areas including indoor and outdoor furniture, high touch-point areas (doors, door handles, walls, handrails, elevator buttons, restroom stall door/dividers, toilets, sinks, arm rests, trash cans, counters and tables).
- Only Health Canada approved disinfectant cleaner will be used throughout the facility.
- Consistent with previous seasons, cleaning responsibilities will be the responsibility of the City of Hamilton and any contracted cleaning services. Cleaning staff levels will be increased to support a safe a gem free environment.
- Suite and stadium waste will be removed from hospitality spaces/concourses through the game.
- All cleaning staff will be trained as well as receive on-site training based on Ontario Public Health guidelines.
- Cleaning staff will have designated cleaning/disinfecting responsibilities to ensure that they focus on their assigned areas and that no touch points are missed during sanitation