Photo: A View From My Seat
The Vancouver Canucks and Abbotsford Canucks, their AHL affiliate, announced on Monday that every spectator in attendance at games will be required to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The announcement came just hours after the British Columbian government introduced how they will require vaccination proof.
In addition to fans in the stands at Rogers Arena and Abbotsford Centre, every building employee and event staff working at any game, concert, or other live event in British Columbia must be fully vaccinated.
“The health and safety of our fans, employees, players and community has always been a top priority and we welcome today’s announcement by Premier Horgan, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix,” said Michael Doyle, President, Canucks Sports & Entertainment, Business Operations, in a statement (Sportsnet). “The new program will help us ensure everyone is as safe and comfortable as possible at Rogers Arena and the Abbotsford Centre. We will now work closely with local health authorities to implement an efficient and effective entry process for everyone coming to games, concerts and live events.”
British Columbia premier John Horgan, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, and provincial health minister Adrian Dix announced that everyone will need to carry new “B.C. vaccine cards” to events such as concerts, games, restaurants, casinos, and more from September 13 through at least January 31.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, Winnipeg Jets, and MLB’s Toronto Blue Jays have implemented similar policies regarding vaccines.
By Harrison Brown
Before the season starts they will also be requiring masks. Might also again reduce capacities. It will be interesting to see how each location defines “fully vaccinated.” How many will be requiring boosters or proof that your vaccinations were within the past 6 or 8 months.
As of today, all Canadian teams with the exception of Ottawa (so far) have enacted requirements of 1) proof of vaccine or 2) proof of negative test within 24 hours of game, in order to attend games. I would assume Ottawa follows suit, but I don’t think any US teams have enacted such rules (yet).