One of Virginia Beach’s most popular attractions that endured millions of dollars in losses from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic has been thrown a lifeline.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center lost more than $1 million a month in revenue between March and June of 2020, during the governor’s stay-at-home order.
Until this spring, the aquarium had to limit the number of guests to maintain six feet of distance in the exhibit halls. Now, the federal government has stepped up to provide the aquarium with $4.48 million to cover its losses.
“It’s been tough, but this is really great money for us,” aquarium director Cynthia Spanoulis said.
The funds are coming from the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant — emergency assistance for museums, movie theaters and live venues affected by COVID-19. The program includes more than $16 billion in grants. More than 15,000 applications were submitted, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration, which oversees the grant.
Payroll costs were among the eligible expenses that could be listed in the application. Spanoulis said it costs about $7 million a year for the aquarium’s payroll.
The city of Virginia Beach owns and maintains the aquarium’s buildings and grounds and provides administrative support. A nonprofit foundation procures and maintains the aquarium’s collections, including its fish, animals and interactive exhibits.
The City Council will vote soon to approve how the funds will be spent, but the money will likely be used for facility improvements and backlogged maintenance projects, Spanoulis said.
Renovations to the aquarium’s south building, which includes a new veterinarian wing next to the main building on General Booth Boulevard, are still under way. It’s scheduled to open by the end of the year. The aquarium’s new conservation center, where stranded sea turtles are rehabilitated, recently opened.
Even though capacity restrictions have been lifted, the aquarium continues to use a timed ticketing system that was first implemented last year to reduce long lines at the door. Guests must buy a ticket in advance to enter at a specific time, and once inside, they can stay as long as they want.
“COVID was bad, but we learned a really good lesson, and I think it’s improved our guests’ experience,” Spanoulis said.
Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com
