Nets to require fans, employees be vaccinated to attend games

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Nets to require fans, employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend games

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 8/13/21

Fans of the New Orleans Saints learned earlier this week that they will have to show proof of either a COVID-19 vaccination or a recent negative coronavirus test to attend home games this season per a mandate declared by New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.

The Brooklyn Nets and home venue the Barclays Center confirmed Friday they'll abide by similar guidelines for the upcoming NBA season.

"In accordance with the mandate recently announced by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Barclays Center will soon be requiring all employees and guests to be fully vaccinated," information on the arena's website states. "Beginning Monday, Sept. 13, individuals ages 12 and up will be required to show proof of at least one vaccine dose."

Vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals will have to wear approved face coverings inside the arena when not actively eating and drinking, and both customers and employees "will be subject to COVID-19 testing protocols, subject to any applicable vaccine exemptions."

The Nets also released a statement:

A statement regarding our vaccination policy at @barclayscenter.

For more information: https://t.co/Z2oX5KY8I5 pic.twitter.com/CZkFSeymDh
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) August 13, 2021

On Thursday, the United States Tennis Association announced paying fans will not be allowed to attend qualifying matches for the U.S. Open in New York because of the pandemic. "The decision regarding the qualifying tournament, though heartbreaking, will have no impact on fan access to the main draw," USTA spokesperson Chris Widmaier added.

The main draw of the U.S. Open is scheduled to begin Aug. 30.

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