Tempe's Marquee Theatre To Reopen After Coronavirus Closure

TEMPE, AZ — Concert venues across the U.S. have been shuttered for months due to the coronavirus, but one Tempe theater is inching its way back open.

Marquee Theatre in Tempe announced it will reopen in December for a series of socially distant dine-in concerts. It's been closed for eight months and recently functioned as a polling location on Election Day.

Yachtley Crew, a group dedicated to covering yacht rock classics, will kick the series off with two shows on Dec. 4 and Dec. 5. Other bands that will play include Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers, Iron Maidens, Authority Zero and more. Ticket prices vary by show but can be purchased online.

The Marquee will be serving food from local restaurant Hot Bamboo and the bar will be open for guests.

All audiences will be seated at tables in pods of six or 10 people, each spaced six feet apart for social distancing purposes. Tickets are sold per pod and all transactions will be cashless through Rooam. Food and drinks will be brought to each pod's table. Each pod must enter the venue at the same time.

All staff will undergo daily wellness before each shift. Staff will also wear masks and gloves, and use hand sanitizer throughout the event. Additional cleaning personnel will also be on hand to ensure cleanliness for guests.

The Marquee is following suit after several other Phoenix-area venues have pivoted their business as the virus continues to spread.

Crescent Ballroom in downtown Phoenix has reopened for live music on its outdoor patio and The Rebel Lounge joined with Reap & Sow to function as a coffee shop and bar during its extended closure.