2 for 1: Barrett-Jackson will host its Vegas and Palm Beach auctions in Scottsdale
Barrett-Jackson is pulling its auctions from Las Vegas and Palm Beach, Florida, this fall due to coronavirus concerns, but those auctions aren’t disappearing—they’re just moving to a familiar location: The Valley of the Sun.
According to the Arizona Republic, Barrett-Jackson plans to combine its Vegas and Palm Beach events and bring them to WestWorld in Scottsdale, Arizona, home to its humongous week-long January auction. The event will be held October 22–24 … or, at least, that’s the plan.
Craig Jackson, Barrett-Jackson’s CEO, says the move will allow the auction company to “better safeguard the health of guests and team members.” There’s still no guarantee that the event will be held, however, since Arizona Governor Doug Ducey recently extended an executive order that limits public events to fewer than 50 people. The order stipulates that cities can approve events that meet certain safety precautions, so Barrett-Jackson is moving forward as if that will happen—or the governor will lift restrictions prior to the auction.
“Months of planning goes into the execution of our events, so it is important that we start planning now,” Barrett spokesperson Megan Jones told the Republic. “In the 12 weeks leading up to the event we will continue to work with the city and monitor the COVID-19 situation. Plans will be adjusted as necessary.”
If the auction is held as scheduled, it will be Barrett-Jackson’s first live event since the pandemic outbreak. Online auctions were held in May and July.
Among the planned safeguards: Event staff will check the temperature of every person entering the venue, and those with symptoms will be turned away. Masks will be required, occupancy will be limited to 75 percent capacity, and seating will be arranged to allow for proper social distancing.
According to Barrett-Jackson, WestWorld’s ventilation system is being upgraded to “ultraviolet sanitization technology, which has been used in hospitals and is believed to be effective at eliminating many airborne viruses.”
Looking ahead to 2021, Barrett-Jackson plans to hold its 50th annual Scottsdale auction January 16–24.
