Jazz To Require Vaccination Or Negative Covid Test For Home Games

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Jazz will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for fans wanting to attend home games this season.

The Jazz made the announcement on Friday, just three days before the team is set to open training camp.

Fans ages 12 and up will be required to show proof that they are COVID-19 free before entering the building with either proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the game. Children under the age of 12 will be required a wear a mask at all times within the building.

Today @VivintArena announced that Utah Jazz game attendees over 12 will be required to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours to gain access to the arena.https://t.co/aZ1EqcZ7d4

— utahjazz (@utahjazz) September 24, 2021

“As a community gathering place, we have a responsibility to protect our guests by putting health and safety standards in place,” said Jim Olson, president of Vivint Arena and the Utah Jazz said in a release by the team.

“The delta variant is a threat to the sports and entertainment industry and our community at large. We ask Jazz fans to get vaccinated to help stop the surge. We stand united with health care professionals on the importance of vaccinations. We believe this is the path forward to shut down this pandemic.”

The Jazz join the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, and New York Knicks as teams requiring proof that fans are clear of the virus before entering their arenas.

Last season the Jazz slowly increased fan capacity throughout the season, culminating with a full arena during the second round of the playoffs. Though fans weren’t required to show proof of vaccination, masks were required for those who were not actively eating and drinking.

In August, the NBA announced that all team personnel who will be near players and referees must be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus this season.

All @NBA referees will be vaccinated against the coronavirus this season. 🏀@kslsports https://t.co/yzI5SdsTtc

— KSL 5 TV (@KSL5TV) August 29, 2021

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout began in the United States in December of 2020 and was made available to all Americans 18 and older in April. Use among children 12 years and older was authorized in May, while the FDA officially approved the vaccine beyond emergency use in August.

Though the NBA is not requiring its players to get the COVID-19 vaccine, it has loosened restrictions significantly from lat season for players who have gotten the shot.

“Unvaccinated players will have to undergo testing on game days and practice days and, depending on team schedules, could have to test twice on some game days,” according to ESPN.

Quin Snyder on the @utahjazz approach to the COVID-19 vaccine.

"We would encourage everybody to take the vaccine."

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) January 20, 2021

“Vaccinated players will not undergo daily testing and will only be tested if they have symptoms themselves or are exposed to someone confirmed as COVID-19 positive.”

Additionally, unvaccinated players are expected to face stiffer restrictions during team meals, flights, and bus trips.

The Jazz first preseason game will be held on October 11 and will open the regular season at Vivint Arena on October 20 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Fans can show proof of their vaccination via a CDC-issues vaccination card including the name of the person vaccinated, or by bringing a digital or printed photograph of their vaccination card.

Fans cal also bring a digital or physical photo of their negative COVID-19 PCR test