Gov. Jay Inslee announces update to spectator event guidance

The occupancy percentage for outdoor venues is increased from 25 percent to 50 percent, the cap of 9,000 spectators will remain in place

Gov. Jay Inslee approved an update to the guidance documents for spectator events to help bring these events in line with other occupancy restrictions in Phase 3 of the Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery plan. The changes were announced Wednesday (May 26) and are effective immediately.

Under the new spectator events guidance: 

• The occupancy percentage for outdoor venues is increased from 25 percent to 50 percent, the cap of 9,000 spectators will remain in place.
• The requirement for a separate entrance/exit for vaccinated spectators is removed.

As a reminder of the state’s current guidance, spectator events include stadiums, motorsports race tracks, rodeos, and similar venues with ticketed individual designated seating capability. Each facility must have a plan for handling congestion to reduce crowding at entrances and exits, parking facilities, stairs and elevators, and any areas where lines form. 

In unvaccinated sections, tickets may be sold in groups of up to 15. No social distancing is required for members of the same group. Each group of up to 15 spectators must be 6 feet away from other groups unless they’re seated in a vaccinated only section.

Read the full spectator guidance here. 

See all reopening guidance here.