Teams are taking a variety of approaches to hosting fans during the upcoming football season. In Las Vegas, Raiders fans will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to enter Allegiant Stadium.
With only vaccinated fans in the crowd, the Raiders aren’t requiring fans to wear masks at any point during games. The Raiders’ announcement followed Nevada governor Steve Sisolak saying that “vaccine/no mask” protocols can be put in place in any large indoor event in the state.
“This is cutting edge,” Sisolak said, according to The Associated Press. “There’s no other venues in the country that are doing this. I think it is going to get more people wanting to go to an event because they know that when they walk in that arena, or that stadium, everybody’s vaccinated.”
The Raiders’ policy — the first of its kind in the NFL — will begin with their Sept. 13 home game against the Baltimore Ravens. Fans will show proof of vaccination through CLEAR’s free mobile app and Health Pass feature.
“Health and safety has always been our number one priority,” Raiders owner Mark Davis said. “After consultation with Governor Sisolak and other community leaders, this policy ensures that we will be able to operate at full capacity without masks for fully vaccinated fans for the entire season.”
There’s a bit of wiggle room. The Raiders are offering vaccinations at Allegiant Stadium prior to home games, and allowing newly vaccinated fans to enter the stadium with a mask. The Raiders, as well as stadium management company ASM, have required that all full-time employees get vaccinated.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vincent Bonsignore reported that “Season-ticket holders who are not vaccinated will have the opportunity to either roll over this year’s season-ticket costs to next year or get a full refund for this year but still retain their season tickets in the future.”
Related: Saints, Tulane Requiring Proof of Vaccine, Negative Test
