SEATTLE—While fans may still be on hold at Lumen Field, the stadium has been diligently implementing new operational processes and procedures behind the scenes in preparation for their return. Today, Lumen Field announced the achievement of Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities. While continuing to follow all local public health and government best practices, this certification is one among many of the stadium’s operational improvements added for safety amid COVID-19.

“Our top priority is always the safety of our guests, players and staff. As we enter a new era of hosting public events, we are committed to providing the cleanest, healthiest environment possible. When we are able to welcome fans back to the building, want all guests to be confident they are entering a safe environment,” said David Young, Seahawks Senior Vice President of Business Operations and General Manager, Lumen Field. “In addition to achieving GBAC STAR™ accreditation, we have completely transformed our event procedures so we are exceeding industry best practices for health and safety in all areas.”

To achieve GBAC STAR™ accreditation, Lumen Field demonstrated compliance with the program’s 20 core elements, which range from standard operating procedures and risk assessment strategies to the implementation of personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness and response measures. This accomplishment further reinforces Lumen Field’s commitment to guest and staff safety by certifying they have implemented the industry’s most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention.

Additional implemented measures at LumenField include:

• Industry-best cleaning and sanitation processes and procedures before, during and after each event, including frequent disinfection of high-touch surfaces during events.
• Touchless technology added in all areas possible including self-service ticket scanners, restroom fixtures, point-of-sale at concessions, retail and parking.
• Physical distancing implemented in all high traffic areas, including at security/entry gates, concourses, concessions, line queues, bars and restaurants.
• HVAC system maximized for the best possible outside air exchange to increase the flow of clean air.
• Enhanced food and beverage processes focusing on heightened food handling practices and decreased open-air food and containers.
• Hand sanitizer stations added to numerous locations throughout the stadium.
• Mask requirement for all guests and staff.

“GBAC STAR accreditation empowers facility owners and managers to assure workers, customers and key stakeholders that they have proven systems in place to maintain clean and healthy environments,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “By taking this important step to pursue GBAC STAR, Lumen Field has received third-party validation that it follows strict protocols for biorisk situations, thereby demonstrating its preparedness and commitment to operating safely.”

‍

About GBAC, a Division of ISSA

Composed of international leaders in the field of microbial-pathogenic threat analysis, mitigation, response and recovery, the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, provides training, guidance, accreditation, certification, crisis management assistance and leadership to government, commercial and private entities looking to mitigate, quickly address and/or recover from biological threats and real-time crises. The organization’s services include biorisk management program assessment and training, Forensic Restoration® response and remediation, the GBAC STAR™ facility accreditation program, training and certification of individuals and consulting for building owners and facility managers. For more information, visit www.gbac.org.

About ISSA

With more than 9,300 members—including distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, building service contractors, in-house service providers, residential cleaners and associated service members—ISSA is the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry. The association is committed to changing the way the world views cleaning by providing its members with the business tools they need to promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment and an improved bottom line. Headquartered in Northbrook, Ill., USA, the association has regional offices in Mainz, Germany; Whitby, Canada; Parramatta, Australia; Seoul, South Korea; and Shanghai, China. For more information about ISSA, visit www.issa.com or call 800-225-4772 (North America) or 847-982-0800.