It was only a suggestion and not any kind of an official order, but part of President Joe Biden’s address Thursday on new plans to fight the Covid-19 pandemic contained a direct call to sports stadiums and other large public venues to require fans to either be vaccinated or have a recent negative Covid-19 test in order to attend events.
While the idea doesn’t carry the weight of the executive order requiring large businesses to get their workforces vaccinated — an order that will affect most professional sports teams — it is a call to action that some teams and venues have already taken upon themselves to enforce. “And for other sectors, I issue this appeal: To those of you running large entertainment venues — from sports arenas to concert venues to movie theaters — please require folks to get vaccinated or show a negative test as a condition of entry,” said Biden in his remarks.
Several professional sports teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, the New Orleans Saints and the Seattle Seahawks have all instituted such measures for upcoming home games this football season. Some colleges are also going to require proof of vaccination, or in some cases, proof of a negative Covid-19 test, to allow fans into their stadiums, including Oregon, Oregon State and Louisiana State University. The Seahawks joined other state institutions, including the University of Washington, Washington State University and the MLS Seattle Sounders in requiring vaccination proof or a negative test to attend events. And when Climate Pledge Arena opens in October for the NHL’s Kraken and other events, it will also require vaccination proof for entry.
The Raiders, who host their first regular-season home game Monday night, had previously required masks for all attendees at events at their new home, Allegiant Stadium. Unlike other venues, which are also still requiring that fans wear masks while at events, the Raiders will allow fans with proof of vaccination to go maskless; fans who only show proof of a negative Covid-19 test, however, will need to wear a mask and an electronic wristband while in the stadium. In an attempt to head off what will likely be longer entry lines due to the additional time needed to verify vaccination status, the Raiders will have pre-verification services available this Saturday, Sunday and well before game time on Monday at Allegiant Stadium.
