NHL’s first WELL Health-Safety Rated arena awarded renewal of premier global safety rating for second consecutive year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, April 18, 2022
SUNRISE, Fla. – FLA Live Arena, home of the Florida Panthers, announced today the renewal of its WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). The WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating recognizing FLA Live Arena’s adherence to IWBI’s robust guidelines for best operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement, and emergency plans to address the health and safety of all players, visitors, staff, and guests.
In December 2020, FLA Live Arena became the first National Hockey League arena and first Florida sports and entertainment venue to achieve WELL Health-Safety Rating, leading the sports and live entertainment sector by example to prioritize strategies focused on health, safety and well-being.
FLA Live Arena is the most notable sports and entertainment venue in Florida and among the best worldwide, each year hosting hundreds of major sports and entertainment events featuring the world’s most sought-after performers.
“We’re thrilled to announce the renewal of FLA Live Arena’s WELL Health-Safety Rating, which continues to serve as the global benchmark for health, safety and best operating procedures in public spaces,” said Sr. Vice President and General Manager of Sunrise, Sports and Entertainment Facilities Rob Stevenson. “The safety and health of our fans, guests, staff, players, and community members continues to be our top priority. We are proud to continue working with the International WELL Building Institute as we continuously enhance our venue programs and resources to ensure the safest environment at our arena.”
“Thanks to the leadership of the Florida Panthers, in 2020 their home arena became the first National Hockey League facility in the country to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating, the world’s leading framework focused on advancing health and well-being across operational policies, maintenance protocols, emergency plans and stakeholder education,” said Rachel Hodgdon, IWBI President and CEO. “Today, we congratulate the Florida Panthers for achieving the rating again with necessary updates and demonstrating continued leadership to prioritize people’s health, safety and well-being.”
Informed by the WELL Building Standard and more than 600 experts from IWBI Task Force on COVID-19, the WELL Health-Safety Rating recognizes the Florida Panthers and FLA Live Arena’s achievements across focus areas such as operational policies, cleaning and maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement, emergency preparedness, and more.
- Cleaning & Sanitation Procedures – including strategies to limit high-touch surface contact, rigorous cleaning procedures, enhanced employee training and handwashing protocols, and detailed documentation procedures.
- Air & Water Quality Management – including enhanced air treatment, filtration, and ventilation including a comprehensive system-wide assessment of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) equipment, filters, and fresh air supply mechanisms; rigorous maintenance and inspection protocols; and a strategic moisture management plan to limit potential airborne pathogens. New enhancements include the installation of Synexis Dry Hydrogen Peroxide Systems in both home and visitor locker rooms as well as concerts and event dressing rooms.
- Emergency Preparedness Programs – including risk assessment, resources, education, enhanced training, and strategic emergency response protocols and reentry procedures focused on heightened sanitization, employee training and communications, and ongoing health and safety protocol evaluations.
- Health Service Resources – robust employee health & safety plans including access to essential health services, screenings, and assessments, access to mental health services, annual season flu prevention campaigns and employee vaccination programs.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication – a multimodal program to promote health literacy and emergency preparedness through ongoing communications, health-centered educational materials, and stringent food-service inspection protocols.
FLA Live Arena was awarded its second consecutive WELL Health-Safety Rating following a third-party documentation review by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) confirming all feature-specific intents and requirements had been successfully met.
To learn more about the WELL Health-Safety Rating, visit www.wellcertified.com/health-safety.
About FLA Live Arena
Home to the Florida Panthers Hockey Club and leading international concerts and events, the Broward County-owned FLA Live Arena is one of the top-ranked venues of its kind in the world, servicing Broward, Collier, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach Counties and beyond. In 2020, FLA Live Arena became the first National Hockey League building to earn the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)’s WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management, which serves as the global benchmark for safety and best operating procedures in public spaces. For the latest information about upcoming events, visit www.FlaLiveArena.com and follow @FLALiveArena on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
-PANTHERS-
