The Las Vegas Raiders will require proof of vaccination against the coronavirus for all home games via CLEAR’s free mobile app and Health Pass feature. The new policy will allow fans to attend games without wearing a mask.
The policy will take effect for the first regular season home game, September 13 against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football.
The Raiders are the first team in the National Football League to announce a vaccine/no mask policy.
Las Vegas Raiders to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for Raiders games at Allegiant Stadium: https://t.co/phvTh8Dgkv
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) August 17, 2021
The Raiders implemented the change in accord with a new Emergency Directive from Governor Sisolak regarding large events.
From the Las Vegas Review Journal:
Under the governor’s new directive, venues with 4,000 seats or more that require fans to be at least partially vaccinated can drop the mask mandate for those who are fully vaccinated. Those who are partially vaccinated would still be required to wear a mask.
“It’s not a mandate, it’s not a requirement, it’s not rolling anything back,” Sisolak said at a late afternoon news conference at the Sawyer Building in downtown Las Vegas. “We’re trying to open up our economy more, and getting more people working.”
“Health and safety has always been our number one priority,” said Raiders owner Mark Davis. “After consultation with Governor Sisolak and other community leaders, this policy ensures that we will be able to operate at full capacity without masks for fully vaccinated fans for the entire season,” Davis explained.
The Raiders will offer the opportunity for fans to receive vaccinations on site at Allegiant Stadium prior to Raiders home games, permitting newly vaccinated fans to enter wearing a mask.
Gov. Sisolak (D-NV) announces large indoor venues will be allowed to opt out of state mask requirements if they verify guests are vaccinated.
The Las Vegas Raiders have already responded, becoming the 1st NFL team to announce vaccinated fans won’t have to mask up at home games. pic.twitter.com/d9COrM4NJ9
— The Recount (@therecount) August 17, 2021
In May, the Raiders announced a policy requiring all full-time employees on the business and football staffs of the organization to be vaccinated. Stadium management company ASM and stadium concessionaire Levy also have implemented mandatory vaccinations for all full-time staff at Allegiant Stadium.
The Raiders will hold a press conference at 12:00 noon on August 17th at Allegiant Stadium to announce details of the program and introduce CLEAR representatives who will discuss the verification process.
This is the Raiders second season in Las Vegas but its first with fans in the stands at the new Allegiant Stadium.
I am excited to see the @Raiders and @AllegiantStadm step forward as leaders to implement Nevada’s new option to help make large gatherings safer by requiring proof of #COVID19 vaccination for all attendees.
Those who are fully vaccinated will not need to wear a mask. https://t.co/quZ7ngud56
— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) August 17, 2021