Syracuse Eases COVID Protocols for Young Fans at Dome

There are many COVID-19 protocols in place for fans looking to attend Syracuse University basketball games at the Dome. One of them is now changing.

As reported by cnycentral.com, kids under the age of 12 no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the game, Syracuse Athletics announced earlier this week. Those 12 and older will still need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Over-the-counter test kit results are not accepted.

Masks are still required for everyone over 5, except when actively eating or drinking.

"Obviously it’s big for us because if that didn’t happen we wouldn’t be here," Vince Schoonmaker, a fan from Skaneateles, said.

Schoonmaker's son, Hayden, said he does not like having to get tested for COVID-19 and is happy he won't have to anymore to get into the Dome. He said he's excited to get back into the stadium and watch basketball.

David Wolfe and his son, Logan, are also pleased with the change in policy.

"We’ve been getting tested for every game so now we don’t have to worry about it," the Baldwinsville father said. "It's nice."

According to cnycentral.com, one struggle shared by many over the past couple of months has been trying to find easy access to COVID-19 tests, especially for events like this. Both fathers said that was a struggle they faced too.

"The time you have to get one, then you’re worried about the results coming quick enough, so the day of the game you’re still don’t have your results you’re panicking like should I change my plans? Should I do something different? And so dragging him after school to get it is tough," Vince said.

Logan said it was 'annoying' having to get the test before each game but says it was something he had to go.