The Las Vegas Raiders are requiring all fans to be vaccinated for home games in the upcoming NFL season — becoming the second team to announce COVID-19 rules ahead of full capacity crowds.
The Raiders announced Monday that all fans entering Allegiant Stadium beginning with the team’s regular-season Monday Night Football opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 13 must show proof of vaccination through the CLEAR mobile app.
Those fans can enter the stadium without a mask, while anyone who is not vaccinated can get jabbed at Allegiant Stadium prior to Raiders home games and watch the action while wearing a face covering, team officials said.
“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.”
The Raiders announced in May a policy requiring all of its full-time employees on its business and football staff to be vaccinated. The team’s stadium management company and concessions contractor have also put in place mandatory vaccination policies for employees.
Team officials plan to hold a press conference at noon Tuesday to announce additional details of the program.
The Raiders said its announcement marked the first time an NFL team has put forth a “vaccine/no mask policy” for the upcoming season, although the New Orleans Saints told fans last week they’ll need to show proof of vaccination at the Superdome or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours for admittance as part of the city’s new regulations at bars, restaurants, music halls or other entertainment facilities.
The Saints’ policy, however, requires all fans to wear masks at all times aside from eating and drinking regardless of vaccination status, team officials said Thursday.
“We remain optimistic that, with our community’s help and as vaccination rates increase, these restrictions will no longer be necessary as the season progresses,” the Saints said in a statement.
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