Utah Jazz welcome fans back to Vivint Arena with new COVID-19 protocols
Oct 20, 2021, 7:41 AM | Updated: 1:52 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz open the 2021-22 NBA season at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder Wednesday night, and officials are reminding fans they need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the game to enter the arena.
The new COVID-19 protocols went into effect for all events at Vivint Arena ahead of last month’s “Frozen Fury” game between the Vegas Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings.
The policy will be in place until further notice and could be modified at any time.
“I am happy the Utah Jazz are taking the safety of their fans, staff and players seriously,” said Dr. Leisha Nolen, state epidemiologist at the Utah Department of Health. “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.”
Acceptable proof of vaccination
- A 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 a CDC-issued vaccination card stored on a phone or electronic device
- A printed photo of a CDC-issued vaccination card
Acceptable proof of a negative COVID-19 test
- A digital photo of negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test results that matches the personal identification of the individual.
- A printed photo of negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test results that matches the personal identification of the individual.
Arena officials said they are working on a digital process that will be implemented for future events. Children under the age of 12, who are not currently eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, will be permitted to enter Vivint Arena if they wear a mask at all times while inside the venue.
All other guests are strongly encouraged to wear a face mask, but it is not required.
“Full COVID-19 vaccination is already required for all employees working events at Vivint Arena,” officials said.
Additional policies
“Vivint Arena will continue to implement other safety protocols, including a ‘no bag’ policy for expedited entry into the building, digital tickets, cashless and contactless payment experiences at concessions and stores and enhanced facility cleaning to help mitigate the risk of exposure when attending events,” officials said.
Block Party Wednesday night
The Jazz will hold a block party that begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday on the arena’s northeast plaza.
The event will feature music from the band High Society, food and beverages, ticket giveaways and more, according to the team.
Former Jazz center Mehmet Okur, who spent seven of his 10 NBA seasons in Utah, is also scheduled to appear.
Game day! Crazy to think in a couple of hours 18k Jazz fans will fill Vivint Arena for the season opener. Here’s a sneak peek at the T-shirts fans will be sporting. #TakeNote #UtahJazz #KSLTV @utahjazz @ZoneSportsNet @kslsports @1035theArrow @FM1003 pic.twitter.com/sfvyiP5joH
— Tamara Vaifanua (@TamaraVaifanua) October 20, 2021
Team officials said the party will help kick off the new season “in a playoff-like atmosphere,” and T-shirts will be placed on every seat.
The Jazz will wear their “Dark Mode” jerseys to begin their 43rd season in the NBA, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this season.
Listen LIVE on KSL NewsRadio
Wednesday’s season opener will be broadcast on KSL NewsRadio and The Zone Sports Network (97.5 FM and 1280 AM).
