NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock sent out a five question survey Monday to see how Arkansans feel about coming to smaller events in the fall.
"Certainly under the proper regulations as far as we'll be social distancing in these events," general manager Michael Marion said.
The seats at Simmons Bank Arena have remained empty for more than three months now.
"We've furloughed 13 of our 25 full-time employees," Marion said.
The survey sent out to 300-thousand people Monday is getting a feel if people would be comfortable coming to smaller events, and the earliest they would return if so.
"How they feel about having to wear a mask. Will they come if they have to. Will they come if people don't have to," he said.
The arena has together a plan where people would be seated six-feet apart.
"We call it our COVID map," Marion said.
Normal capacity for a show would be around 13-thousand. This plan would cut it down to 2500, meaning you won't really be seeing any big artists playing concerts because the capacity is so reduced.
"Elton John has postponed his show. We don't have a new date and expect him to be back next year," Marion said.
Instead, Marion is looking at hosting events like the annual Wing Stock.
"That draws 1800 people, so we can do that," he said.
Most big shows for 2020 have been canceled. But, Marion is already working on rescheduling for 2021.
"We have events we had for the fall that were not announced that will move to next year. So, I'm hoping next year will be a really busy year for us," he said.
The survey is available for the next few days. You can take it here.