The Seattle Seahawks this week joined the New Orleans Saints and the Las Vegas Raiders as the first NFL teams that will require proof of Covid-19 vaccination (or a recent negative Covid-19 test for the Saints and the Seahawks) for entry into the team’s stadiums for games this season.
According to material posted on the teams’ websites, fans will be required to show proof of vaccination in various methods, either via an approved app, like the Clear Health Pass or the Louisiana state digital ID app, or by presenting paper vaccination cards or a photo of an official vaccination card. Though the website pages do not say so specifically, we are guessing that the checks will be made in person at the metal-detector gates at each stadium.
The Raiders have partnered with identification-services firm Clear to recommend that fans use the free Clear Health Pass, which provides a way for users to scan in a vaccination card and a photo which can be easily scanned with a QR code. Best known for its airport security service, for which Clear charges a fee, Clear is making headway in the sports stadium world with various forms of its biometric identifcation options, including a system at Lumen Field where fans can enroll in a service that lets them pay for concessions with a fingerprint.
According to the Raiders, fans who do not want to use the Clear app can bring a vaccination card or photo as proof, but will need to use a separate verification line. According to the Raiders, fans will be able to complete the alternate screening process this Saturday and Sunday at locations around Allegiant Stadium ahead of Monday night’s home opener against the Baltimore Ravens.
Fully vaccinated Raiders fans will be able to attend the games without wearing a mask, according to the Raiders. Fans whose last vaccine shot was less than 14 days before game day will still be able to attend events, but must wear a mask and a wristband, according to the Raiders.
The Seahawks, who are scheduled to host the Tennessee Titans on Sept. 19 for their home opener at Lumen Field, said in an announcement on Tuesday that “all guests age 12 and older will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours prior to kickoff” to gain entry to the stadium. Cards, photos of cards or verification via the Clear Health Pass will be accepted as proof.
The Seahawks will also be requiring fans to wear masks at all times inside the venue except while eating and drinking, per current Washington state and King County mask mandates. While many stadiums have implemented similar mask-wearing statutes, compliance by fans across the board has been spotty at best with enforcement almost an impossibility given the large numbers of fans present and the typically small number of stadium employees at any given event.
The Saints, who were the first to announce plans to check fans for vaccinations or negative tests, will not have a home game until Oct. 3 at the earliest, when they are scheduled to host the New York Giants at the Caesars Superdome. This week’s scheduled home game against the Green Bay Packers has been moved to TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fla., because of the damage caused in and around New Orleans by Hurricane Ida.
When home games resume, the Saints said fans will be able to present digital proof of vaccination (using government-approved apps like the LA Wallet app) or “an original, digital photograph or photocopy (both sides) of their CDC vaccination card. They may also present an official vaccination record issued by another state, foreign nation or the WHO. In lieu of vaccination verification, fans may also present a negative PCR test result that has been taken within the last 72 hours.” Saints fans will also be required to wear masks inside the stadium except while actively drinking or eating.
