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July 29, 2020

Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Releases Reopening Guidelines

The Rushmore Plaza Civic Center has set forth its reopening guidelines effective today (July 29). The Rushmore Plaza Civic Center has set forth its reopening guidelines effective today (July 29). (City File Photo/Darrell Shoemaker)

The Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, future home of The Monument, released their facility Reopening Guidelines. The guidelines include updates to staffing policies, sanitation, social distancing recommendations, ticket purchasing, cashless payments, food and beverage policies, guest experience, facility entry/exit and communication and messaging.  

“We are committed to maintaining a safe and friendly environment for all members of our community,” said Executive Director Craig Baltzer. “Utilizing CDC, state, and local recommendations these guidelines represent practical best efforts to proactively invest and keep our community, staff, tenants, lessee’s, fans and guests safe when attending functions and events at the facility.”

There will be noticeable changes when visiting the facility such as posted signage in areas with high visibility including interior and exterior areas, frequent public address announcements to promote proper cleanliness, social distancing and similar health practices for our guests, and added stationary and portable hand sanitizing stations for public and staff use. Additional custodial staff will be actively wiping down high touch points such as tables, chairs, restrooms, handrails, door handles, elevators, escalators etc.

“In addition to the visible changes, starting on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 we will also be limiting the main entrance into the building to the West side entry located nearest the Fine Arts Theatre off of Mt. Rushmore Rd. N. during regular work days/ non-event days and for visitors to check in at our administrative offices and for assistance with box office questions,” said Baltzer. “Although, as a general practice, multiple entrances into the facility will only be available for large scale events and on days where we have a large number of guests expected.”

The facility will create social media and e-blasts awareness campaigns regarding best practices for those visiting the facility, along with reminders of changes that will effect visitors during events. A few of those changes are; defined traffic flows to keep proper social distancing, to expedite entry into events a clear-bag policy will be implemented for all ticketed events, coat and bag check will be suspended indefinitely, and changes to lost and found practices.

“We appreciate the community’s cooperation as we strive to make the guest experience as safe as possible for all,” said Baltzer. “These reopening guidelines are a good start with moving in the right direction, and as we move forward we are able to adjust the guidelines or update them during these changing times.”