LAS VEGAS (KTNV) – The Las Vegas Raiders require all home game participants to provide evidence of COVID-19 vaccination via CLEAR’s free mobile app and Health Pass feature so fans can play games without a mask to wear.
The policy will take effect for the first regular season home game on September 13 against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football.
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The Raiders are the first team in the National Football League to announce vaccination / mask-free requirements.
The Raiders implemented the change in accordance with a new emergency policy from Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak regarding major events. “Health and safety has always been a top priority,” said Raiders owner Mark Davis. “In consultation with Governor Sisolak and other community leaders, this policy ensures we can operate at full capacity without masks for fully vaccinated fans throughout the season,” said Davis.
“I think it’s a step in the right direction,” said John Vizcarra, Raiders season ticket holder. “Anything we can do to make sure the fans are safe.”
For many die-hard soccer fans, the crowd is a player like anyone else on the field.
“If I have to show my vaccination card, if I am not vaccinated, if I need to have an injection there in the stadium – whatever I have to do to get in there and watch the game, I am ready to ‘do it,” said he.
And it’s not just the Raiders who might ask fans to take their shots. Other venues in the valley now have the power to make the same decision following the governor’s announcement.
13 Action News stopped at the Thomas and Mack Center, home of the NBA Summer League, to hear what those fans would think of vaccination requirements.
“I don’t know if it should be necessary,” said Matt Johnson, who lives in Las Vegas. “I think it’s everyone’s personal choice. Freedom of choice – if they want to do it, great. If not, I think it shouldn’t be required.”
“I mean everyone has the right to their own choice, but personally I am in favor of the vaccination because I want the world to go back to normal,” said Alina Filipp, another Summer League fan.
Fans at Allegiant Stadium will need to use a mobile app on their phones to prove they are vaccinated to ensure the stadium is at full capacity.
“Some people might say, ‘Well, it’s just a football game,'” said Vizcarra. “But for some of us this is life. That is what we live for.”
And within a few hours, Las Vegas went from being a COVID-19 hotspot to becoming a trendsetter.
“It’s good for Vegas,” said Vizcarra. “Bottom line.”
This change will take effect for the first regular season game on September 13 against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Raiders will offer fans the opportunity to get vaccinated before the Raiders’ home games on site at the Allegiant Stadium so that newly vaccinated fans can wear a mask.
The Raiders announced a policy requiring all full-time business and football staff for the organization to be vaccinated in May. Stadium management company ASM and stadium concessionaire Levy have also introduced mandatory vaccinations for all full-time employees at Allegiant Stadium.
The Raiders will hold a press conference on August 17th at 12:00 noon at Allegiant Stadium to provide details of the program and introduce CLEAR representatives to discuss the verification process.
Raiders season ticket holders will receive an email with additional information and instructions.
