Fans heading to Utah Jazz games or other events like concerts at Vivint Arena will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have had a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of the event start time to gain entry to the arena.
Vivint Arena and the Jazz announced the requirement on Friday. The new policy will go into effect on Sept. 30 for the NHL preseason game between the Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights.
“As a community gathering place, we have a responsibility to protect our guests by putting health and safety standards in place,” Jim Olson, president of Vivint Arena and the Utah Jazz, said in a press release. “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.”
An exception allows for children under 12 years old, who currently aren’t eligible to receive a vaccine, to enter the arena without proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test, but they are required to wear a mask at all times.
Fans can show proof of full vaccination — a person is considered fully vaccinated 14 days following their last COVID-19 vaccine shot — by showing their physical CDC-issued vaccination card including the name of the person vaccinated, the type of vaccination provided and the date that the last dose was administered, a digital photo of the vaccination card stored on a phone or electronic device, or a printed photo on the vaccination card.
A digital photo or printed photo of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result that matches the personal identification of the individual is accepted for proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
Vivint Arena and the Jazz are currently working on a digital process for future events, but it is not yet available.
Fans 12 and older are not required to wear a mask while in the arena, but it is strongly encouraged.
“I am happy the Utah Jazz are taking the safety of their fans, staff, and players seriously,” Dr. Leisha Nolen, state epidemiologist at the Utah Department of Health, said in a press release. “The use of vaccinations, testing, and masks are all parts of a layered approach we have encouraged throughout the state. We welcome efforts by businesses to operate their events in a safe manner during this time of high transmission of COVID-19.”