Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, home to the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers and AHL Cleveland Monsters has earned the WELL Health-Safety Rating through the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) for the venue’s proactive and progressive initiatives to help protect the health and safety of all those who visit. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is the first sports and entertainment venue in Ohio and the third nationally to achieve this rating.

The WELL Health-Safety Rating is the second building rating that Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse has received in recognition of protocols that have been put in place since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In September it achieved the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR™ accreditation. Under the guidance of GBAC, a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse was accredited for implementing the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention in its facility.

The WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing building and space types focusing on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans to address a post-COVID-19 environment now and into the future.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored how critically important it is to prioritize health and safety in the spaces where we gather,” said Rick Fedrizzi, IWBI chairman and CEO. “By achieving the WELL Health-Safety Rating, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse has demonstrated incredible leadership in directly supporting the health, safety and overall well-being of players, fans and employees.”

To achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse has worked closely with leading medical experts and local, state and national agencies and authorities to monitor the latest developments on COVID-19. In relation to this on-going focus, the venue has implemented appropriate new operational health protocols, processes and safety guidelines to help provide the safest environment and experience possible for staff and event attendees and participants.

This includes Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse’s air systems which are equipped with three technologies shown to be effective in killing or capturing viruses, pathogens and particulates: UV germicidal irradiation (UVGI), highly efficient filtration and bipolar ionization. The bipolar ionization system imparts a static charge to viruses, pathogens and particulates to attack them and reduce their ability to travel through the air.

Designed to empower owners and operators across large and small businesses alike to take the necessary steps in order to prioritize the health and safety of their staff, visitors and stakeholders, the WELL Health-Safety Rating helps guide users in preparing their spaces for re-entry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, instilling confidence in those who come through the building as well as the broader community.

“As we prepare to re-open for Cavs and Monsters games, concerts and other events, we have been laser-focused on ensuring we have implemented a high-level of health and safety measures that instills confidence for everyone who walks into our building that their well-being is being protected to the best of our ability,” said Antony Bonavita, executive vice president of venue operations for Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. “Earning the WELL Health-Safety seal of approval is a testament to our efforts in being responsible and doing the right things to open our doors again in the right way.”

The WELL Health-Safety Rating provides a centralized source and governing body to validate efforts made by owners and operators. It leverages insights drawn from the IWBI Task Force on COVID-19, in addition to guidance on the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), global disease control and prevention centers and emergency management agencies, as well as recognized standard-making associations such as ASTM International and ASHRAE, and leading academic and research institutions, as well as core principles already established by IWBI’s WELL Building Standard, the premier framework for advancing health in buildings and spaces of all kinds.

Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse was awarded the WELL Health-Safety Rating following the successful completion of third-party documentation review by GBCI to confirm it has met the feature specific intents and requirements.