The Vegas Golden Knights and Henderson Silver Knights will not require fans to be vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to attend home games, the organization announced Thursday.
Fans who do wish to attend games at T-Mobile Arena, or Orleans Arena (and eventually Dollar Loan Center) for AHL contests, will still be required to wear masks under the mandate declared by Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak.
Venues were given the option to provide proof of vaccination or full-time masks, per Sisolak.
“The Vegas Golden Knights and Henderson Silver Knights will continue to follow the applicable recommendations from state and local health officials, the National Hockey League and the CDC,” the team said. “Per the current guidance outlined in the state of Nevada’s Directive 047, masks will be required for fans attending our home games. However, proof of vaccination and/or proof of a negative COVID test in advance of attending a game will not be required at this time.”
The statement concludes that if there are any changes to policies, they will be communicated at the appropriate time.
The state of Nevada has reinstated its indoor mask policy due to the uptick in COVID cases in Clark County, as well as the concern over the Delta variant. Approximately 58 percent of Nevada residents have received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine.
Teams have already put in place vaccination requirements in order to attend games this upcoming NHL season, primarily the Canadian clubs. The Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs have required fans to be fully vaccinated before entering their respective arenas.
The Las Vegas Raiders became the first NFL team to require proof of vaccination for all fans before entering Allegiant Stadium, allowing them to enter without wearing a mask. The Raiders will open their season Sept. 13 against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Golden Knights will return to action Sept. 26 in their preseason opener against the San Jose Sharks, and will open the regular season Oct. 12 against the Seattle Kraken.