At Newcastle Eagles and the Vertu Motors Arena we want to do everything we can to ensure the continued safety of our fans, staff and teams from COVID-19.

To protect all of our Eagles family at BBL and WBBL games to safeguard the well-being of the basketball community we are following the Government’s “Plan B” rules which have put the following changes in place for game days.

Certain venues and events are required by law to check that all visitors aged 18 years or over are fully vaccinated, have proof of a negative test in the last 48 hours, or that they have an exemption by showing their NHS COVID Pass or an alternative proof of a negative test result, such as an NHS Test and Trace email or text proof, to gain entry.

As a seated indoor venue with a capacity of around 2,800 the Vertu Motors Arena is not required use a NHS COVID Pass as a condition of entry by law, however as a responsible arena at this time we are politely asking and recommending all attendees follow the spectators code of conduct which includes the following key points:

• Face coverings are mandatory for all attendees and staff, unless exempt or consuming food and drink at their seat

• We recommend all ticket holders perform a lateral flow test on game day before attending the arena, even if they are fully vaccinated

• Do not attend if you have COVID-19 symptoms, a positive test result on the day or have been told to isolate

SPECTATORS CODE OF CONDUCT

ATTENDING THE ARENA

• If you have developed COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days of the event (or you should be self-isolating for any other reason) then you must not attend the arena, ticket exchanges for a different game will be arranged given if evidence of a positive COVID-19 test is provided.
  • To exchange tickets for an alternative game email [email protected] with proof your COVID-status preventing you from attending
• Ticket holders are politely asked and recommenced to carry out lateral flow test on the game day before attending the venue, even if they do not have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Our entry team may ask for proof of the test for admission as we learn how this may impact the time taken to get our spectators in the venue
    • You can find out how to report a lateral flow test and get the text or email to show on entry on GOV.UK
  • Test kits are free and available from the NHS or your local pharmacy to find out more information visit nhs.uk
• As a club and venue we encourage fans to get COVID-19 vaccinations to attend our events
  • You can find out how to be prepared to show your status if required in future on the NHS website
• If you develop COVID- 19 symptoms whilst at the arena, please notify the nearest member of staff immediately.
• Ticket scanning will be performed on entry, which may be used for NHS Test and Trace purposes. Attendees can also scan the NHS QR code using the COVID-19 Test and Trace app on arrival and this poster can be on the front doors of the arena.

BAGS

• Bags larger than an A4 sheet of paper will not be allowed to be brought into the arena.
  • Our entry team reserve the right to refuse admission to persons carrying bags that are larger 21cm x 30cm x 21cm, the size of an A4 sheet of paper, which we politely ask ticket holders to leave in their vehicle or at home.
  • Search teams will use their discretion for those attending with extenuating circumstances, including but not limited to, ticket holders with accessibility needs, carers and parents of young infants.

CONTACTLESS AND CASHLESS

• Be aware the venue is currently contactless and cashless for the safety of both our spectators and staff.

FACE COVERINGS

• Following the Government’s move to implement “Plan B”, it is a mandatory requirement by law for the safety of everyone at the arena to wear a suitable face covering from arrival to the venue, queuing to enter and inside the arena, including both moving around and whilst seated, unless:
  • under 11 years of age
  • when consuming food and drink at your seat
  • medically exempt
• Masks can be provided by our entry team or at the Vertu Motors Arena reception.
• All our staff, unless exempt, will be wearing face coverings as well.

HAND HYGIENE

• Hand sanitiser will be available at the points of entry, toilets and in the food and drinks areas of the arena for your use.
• Spectators are advised to wash their hands for 20 seconds or more when using the toilet facilities.

FOOD & DRINKS AREAS

• We have added more bars to the arena to reduce congestion and these are all sign-posted to help you find them.
• We politely request that food and drinks is only to be consumed by spectators whilst they are sitting at their designated seat.
• The wearing of face coverings is encourage for anyone moving to, inside and back to seats from the food and drinks bar areas, unless medically exempt.
• To reduce congestion around the venue we ask that only one member of each booking group attend the cafe or bar areas at any one time and obey the instructions of staff and stewards at all times.
• All payments inside the arena will be contactless and cash payments will not be accepted.

TEAMS

• Please be aware that to adhere to the latest BBL and WBBL Secure Play rules, all players, coaching staff and officials will remain in a separate “zone” of the venue from spectators and as a result no autographs or photographic opportunities will not be possible for the time being.

EXITING THE ARENA

• Exit the arena as directed by staff, stewards and our PA announcer, using all corner fire exits of the arena where possible.

Please make sure all the other guests in your booking group have read and understood this information and code of conduct.

The code of conduct is under constant review and any changes will be updated here and shared by email to ticket holders and on social media as we move forwards through the season.

Thank you for your support and co-operation.