Kelli Hawkins, Spokane Regional Health District | khawkins@srhd.org | 509.994.8968

Cara Coon, Greater Spokane, Inc. | ccoon@greaterspokane.org | 509.994.7702

Ellie Maurer, Spokane Public Facilities Dist. | emaurer@spokanepfd.org | 509.279.7104

Communications | Washington Department of Health | doh-pio@doh.wa.gov

Walk-Up and Scheduled Appointments Available

Spokane, Wash. – Through a collaborative effort, the Spokane Arena Mass Vaccination Site is hosting Vaccination Happy Hours from 5-7 pm, May 25, and June 2, 8, and 16. The events will include free food from local food vendors, music, drawings, giveaways, and I’m Vaccinated photo ops with two of our favorite local mascots – SHOCK Fox and Spokane Chiefs’ Boomer.

Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD), Greater Spokane, Inc. (GSI), Washington Department of Health (DOH), and the Spokane Public Facilities District (SPFD) combined resources to make the vaccine celebratory events happen.

In addition to free food and giveaways, SPFD is giving away tickets to live, in-person entertainment coming soon to the Spokane Arena. Tickets to the events will be given away on the following Vaccination Happy Hour days:

• May 25 - Dude Perfect
• June 2 - Eric Church
• June 8 - The Weeknd
• June 16 – Jason Aldean

You have to receive your vaccination during the Vaccination Happy Hour events to be eligible to enter. A random drawing will be held at the end of each event.

“Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine should be celebrated,” said SRHD Interim Health Officer Dr. Francisco Velazquez. “With the vaccine readily available, we now have the tool we need to fight the virus, keep our friends and family healthy, and return to a normal life.”

Dianna Trotter, DOH site lead for the Spokane Arena, shared in the celebratory mood and excitement around vaccinations for COVID-19.

“We have vaccinated tens of thousands of people here at the Arena in only a few months’ time and seeing the excitement and gratitude for an end to the pandemic is something we too want to celebrate,” Trotter explained. “The whole process takes no more than 30 minutes so why not take a moment to eat some food, dance a little, and capture the moment on social media!”

The mass vaccination site is administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, so only one dose is needed. People ages 18 and over can schedule an appointment online at www.spokanearena.com/happyhour to ensure an appointment during the Vaccination Happy Hour, or can simply walk in. Appointments can also be made by calling 833-VAX-HELP (language and transportation assistance is available).

Spokane Regional Health District

Spokane Regional Health District is a leader and partner in public health by protecting, improving and promoting the health and well-being of all people through evidence-based practices. SRHD is one of 34 local public health agencies serving Washington state’s 39 counties. Visit www.srhd.org for comprehensive, updated information about SRHD and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community. Like SRHD on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to receive safety and wellness tips.

Washington Department of Health

The DOH website is your source for a healthy dose of information. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for the DOH blog, Public Health Connection.

Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI)

Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI) is the Spokane region's business development organization. GSI creates the place where organizations come together to advocate for the region, drive strategic economic growth, and champion a talented workforce. GSI is funded through a combination of private and public investment, including more than 800 private-sector members; Spokane County; Washington State Department of Commerce; and the cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, Liberty Lake, Airway Heights, Medical Lake, Millwood, Newport, and the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. For more information visit GreaterSpokane.org

Spokane Public Facilities District The Spokane Public Facilities District owns and operates the Spokane Arena, First Interstate Center for the Arts, Spokane Convention Center and The Podium. The SPFD hosts entertainment, sports, and live events from across the country, directly driving tourism into Spokane. In 2019 alone, the Spokane Convention Center had an economic impact of over $87 million dollars. The SPFD strives to bring the best of live events and the highest quality of service to the area.