NEWPORT, Ky. — A new concert venue getting ready to open in Northern Kentucky will require guests and staff to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

It's the latest in a trend of businesses taking a stance on vaccination as the delta variant has brought on a surge of COVID-19 cases around the country.

Heath Boyer has had a front row view to the development of the PromoWest Pavilion at Ovation. Boyer lives just across the street from the new concert venue.

As he put it, “It's right under my nose.”

The PromoWest Pavillion is the first piece of a project called Ovation, a billion-dollar-plus “live-work-play” development planned for the Newport waterfront just west of Taylor Southgate Bridge. It’s just the third indoor/outdoor concert venue in America.

It features state-of-the-art lighting, acoustical systems and an innovative reversible, movable stage. Structurally, it's divided into three independent concert spaces: indoor music hall, indoor club, and an outdoor amphitheater.

The concert venue will offer outdoor space for up to 7,000 capacity and indoor space with room for 2,700 people. Developer Corporex said the Pavillion will eventually attract 400,000 visitors to 180 events each year.

Boyer said he’ll be coming to the venue in November to see the band Chevelle. Along with his ticket, he’ll need to bring proof that he’s been vaccinated for COVID-19 to get in.

“It wouldn't affect me, because I am vaccinated,” Boyer said. “Do I think it’s the right thing? I don’t know, because that situation is evolving.”

Starting Aug. 29 for the venue’s first show, it will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of a show date for guests and event staff.

After Oct. 1, the venue will only take proof of vaccination.

AEG Presents, which operates PromoWest Pavilion, announced this policy for all of its venues.

“We have come to the conclusion that, as a market leader, it was up to us to take a real stand on vaccination status,” said Jay Marciano, COO of AEG and Chairman and CEO, AEG Presents in a release. “Just a few weeks ago, we were optimistic about where our business, and country, were heading. The Delta variant, combined with vaccine hesitancy, is pushing us in the wrong direction again. We realize that some people might look at this as a dramatic step, but it’s the right one. We also are aware that there might be some initial pushback, but I’m confident and hopeful that, at the end of the day, we will be on the right side of history and doing what’s best for artists, fans, and live event workers.”

Boyer said he understands the decision.

“I do not have a problem with private business making that decision to require certain documentation, especially during the pandemic. But I do have a problem with the state or the federal government doing that,” he said. “Then it starts to affect your civil rights.”

Brandon Perry, who also lives in Newport, said the vaccination requirement won’t stop him from coming to a show, but he doesn’t support it.

“The idea of making people identify themselves for having a vaccine or not doesn’t rub me the right way. But then again, if it’s privately owned, you know, you don’t have to go to a concert, you know what I’m saying? So if it’s privately owned, they can do what they want,” Perry said.

As for masks, all staff will be required to wear them. They’re strongly encouraged for guests.

Upcoming shows at the venue include Kesha on Aug. 29, Carly Pearce on Sept. 2, the Avett Brothers on Sept. 14, The Killers on Sept. 20 and Taking Back Sunday on Sept. 21.

AEG Presents declined to do an interview for this story. Their full statement can be read here.