LA Facilities Achieve GBAC Star Accreditation Ahead Of Super Bowl

Shutterstock / Markus Mainka

Ahead of the Big Game on Feb. 13, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has achieved GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA. The NFL’s premier event will attract more than 70,000 sports fans from across the world, who can travel, stay, and attend events at several accredited locations throughout the city.

When traveling to Los Angeles for the championship showdown between the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals, fans can choose GBAC STAR facilities along every step of the journey. Travelers can board an American Airlines flight, fully accredited by GBAC, to LAX and stay at one of six GBAC STAR certified hotels in the area. Visitors can visit two different accredited cultural centers then go see a show at one of four accredited venues.

“Achieving the industry’s gold-standard accreditation for biorisk preparedness is the result of Los Angeles International Airport’s commitment to delivering the highest level of cleanliness and safety for our millions of guests, employees, and airport partners,” said Justin Erbacci, CEO, Los Angeles World Airports. “LAX is proud to be the only major airport in California to earn this distinction, and as more people return to the skies this year, they can be assured that our airport is welcoming them with facilities at are verified as healthy and clean.”

LAX is a member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), which represents thousands of airport management personnel and nearly 875 airports and authorities. The association encourages all members to achieve GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation to build confidence in customers, passengers, and employees. To date, 56 airports in the United States are accredited.

“Our members have consistently prioritized health and safety consistently before and during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says  Jacky Sher Raker, executive vice president, AAAE. “GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation gives all stakeholders the assurance that airports are doing everything they can to keep travelers and staff safe. We are happy to add LAX to the list of GBAC STAR accredited airports.” 

Launched in May 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the GBAC STAR program validates that accredited facilities are prepared to respond to, recover from, and prevent outbreaks of infectious disease. Accredited facilities work with experts from GBAC to develop the competencies, procedures, and protocols that meet accreditation requirements. Facilities apply for reaccreditation on an annual basis to encourage continuous improvement and accountability.

The Los Angeles area facilities that have achieved GBAC STAR accreditation include:

Airport

• Los Angeles International Airport 

Arena

• Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif.

• The Forum (in Inglewood, California)

Cultural Centers

• Venue 66 

• Japan House Los Angeles 

Hotels

• Hyatt House Los Angeles/LAX/Manhattan Beach 

• Hyatt Place Los Angeles/LAX/El Segundo 

• Hyatt Place LAX/Century Blvd 

• Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport 

• The Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel 

• Thompson Hollywood 

Performing Arts Centers

• Belasco 

• Echoplex 

• Microsoft Theater 

• The Wiltern 

“Fans will travel from all around the country and stay in town for days surrounding this event,” says Patricia Olinger, executive director, GBAC. “When they book a flight, choose a hotel, or attend a performance, they can look for the GBAC STAR seal to know the facility meets the highest standards of cleaning and disinfection.”