Raiders are first NFL team to require proof of vaccination
The Las Vegas Raiders will formally announce a groundbreaking plan that will allow only fully vaccinated fans into Allegiant Stadium during the regular season.
After huddling with Nevada state officials, the team will hold a press conference this afternoon that will detail their decision that require proof of vaccination to go into home games this season.
Thus, fans who have not received the COVID vaccination will be barred from attending games at Allegiant Stadium this season, The plan will be re-assessed in 2022.
The Raiders will offer the vaccine shot prior to games and then fans can attend with masks on.
Also, vaccine shots will be available at @Raiders games. If you get the first shot, you can attend the game but you have to wear a mask. Once the second shot is administered and the necessary time passes, you can attend without masks. https://t.co/miAfbIj0jx
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) August 17, 2021
Unvaccinated fans were allowed in the stadium for the Raiders’ 20-7 preseason victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night. However, all fans were required to wear masks. It was the first Raiders’ game in Las Vegas with fans in attendance and it was a jubilant night.
The Raiders’ next home game will be the regular-season opener, against the Baltimore Ravens on September 13 on “Monday Night Football.”
The fact that only vaccinated fans will be allowed into games — the Raiders are the first NFL team with this mandate —- will mean no masks will be required for those who are fully vaccinated. However, children under the age of 12 can attend games with out the vaccination, but will need to wear masks.
Raiders’ owner Mark Davis told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that unvaccinated season-ticket holders who don’t want to get vaccinated can either get refunds or apply their money spent for this season in future seasons. Fans who sell their tickets, of course, aren’t eligible for these options.
Raiders owner Mark Davis said fans who don’t want the vaxx can roll over their money to next season and get the 10 games for the price of 9 (since Seahawks game already occurred). Or they can get a refund. If they sold any of their tix already they can’t get a refund. #raiders https://t.co/VIk9YDsSxO
— Mick Akers (@mickakers) August 17, 2021
UPDATE: After practice Tuesday, Raiders coach Jon Gruden said he supported the decision to allow only vaccinated fans into the stadium. He noted fans will be louder in the stadium without masks.
UPDATE: Davis discusses the decision during Tuesday’s press conference.
Raiders owner Mark Davis on the possibility of losing some Raiders fans due to the vaccination requirement. #vegas #raiders #stadium pic.twitter.com/Drai6K0NiW
— Mick Akers (@mickakers) August 17, 2021