No Recording Devices Allowed During Comedy Show Featuring Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle At Paycom Center

The Paycom Center’s first major comedy show of 2023 will feature two of the nation’s biggest comedians, Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle.

Tickets go on sale Friday, just two weeks ahead of the performance.

Before the laughs come, the logistics for the entire Paycom Center team.

“It’s a huge deal for us,” Director of Marketing and Public Relations Lucy Albers said. 

“Assuming we get support from the community, it’ll be one of our largest attended events probably in the 20 year history of the arena,” Albers said.

The set will be “in the round” meaning seats will be sold 360 degrees around a circular stage.

Record-breaking attendance would be impressive considering the show was confirmed just last week.   

“It’s really uncommon for us to have a turnaround this quickly,” Albers said. “But big acts like Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle know that they don’t need the typical nine-month time period.”

The short notice means rearranging schedules and preparing to quickly flip the space. Filling the seats will take two more full weeks of work.

Those filling the seats must also take an additional step. It’s one they may not have taken at shows in the past.

Each attendee will receive a locking pouch for smartphones, smart watches and other small electronics.

Chappelle partners with the creator Yondr and requires the pouch be used at every show in order to prevent recordings.

Paycom used them last year for a show featuring comedian Kevin Hart.

“I think the initial reaction is that we’re going to take their phone away, but that’s not true,” Albers explained. “You keep your phone on you at all times.”

Keeping recording devices locked away is a step meant to protect the comedy.

“Nobody wants to go to a comedy show and see the same old jokes again,” Albers said. 

“So, really protecting a lot of that content is really important for these comedians.”

It’s also a way to protect those moments that aren’t seen through a six-inch screen.

There are spaces in the concourse that patrons can go to make a call or check a message, but items get locked back in the pouch before going back to the show.