By ISSA and R.V. Baugus
Professional sports venues continue to demonstrate their dedication to fans and players with GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council™, (GBAC), a Division of ISSA. This week, the latest arenas to earn accreditation include FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., home to the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies; and Le Centre Bell (L’Aréna des Canadiens Inc.) in Montreal, home to the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens. GBAC STAR also accredited Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City; Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, R.I.; and Houston Community College-Administration Building in Houston.
“By helping facilities prepare for, respond to, and recover from biorisks, GBAC STAR is raising the 
standard for cleaning and disinfection,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “Because it is a performance-based accreditation program, the public can trust the science behind the GBAC STAR seal that facilities display.”
In addition to continuing to gain ground with large stadiums and arenas, GBAC STAR is a sought-after program for convention centers and hotels that are eager to welcome visitors and guests as travel begins to pick up again. Designed for facilities of all types, the accreditation program requires participants to fulfill 20 key elements related to facility leadership, risk mitigation, standard operating procedures, and more.
This week’s newly accredited facilities include:
Arenas
FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., home to the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies
Le Centre Bell (L Arena des Canadiens Inc.) in Montreal, home to the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens
Convention Center and Expos
HIR Expos y Convenciones in Mexico City
Hot Springs Convention Center in Hot Springs National Park, Ark.
Italian Exhibition Group – Palacongressi di Rimini in Rimini, Italy
Italian Exhibition Group – Rimini Expo Centre in Rimini, Italy
Italian Exhibition Group – Vicenza Expo Centre in Vicenza, Italy
Kyoto International Conference Center in Kyoto, Japan
Pacifico Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan
Cultural Venue
Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City
Stadiums
Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas, the practice facility for the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys
Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J., home to the MLS’s New York Red Bulls and the NWSL’s NJ/NY Gotham FC
Theaters and Performing Arts Centers
Benedum Center in Pittsburgh
Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, R.I.
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami
Byham Theater in Pittsburgh
“The cleanliness of a facility impacts the guest experience, just like service and price do,” said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett. “Proper cleaning must also incorporate disinfection and infection prevention techniques. With accreditation, people can be confident that facilities know how to uphold cleanliness to support health and safety.”
Learn more and apply for GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation at gbac.org/star.
Find accredited facilities and those pursuing accreditation via the GBAC STAR Facility Directory at gbac.org/directory.
IAVM members seeking to apply for accreditation through GBAC, please use the link https://gbac.issa.com/iavm/!
