Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

No decision yet on mandatory vaccines for Golden Knights home games

VGK vs Wild

Wade Vandervort

Vegas Golden Knights fans celebrate during the second period of Game 7 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at T-Mobile Arena Friday, May 28, 2021.

Updated Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021 | 1:12 p.m.

The Golden Knights have yet to announce a policy regarding a possible vaccine mandate for fans attending games at T-Mobile Arena this season.

Gov. Steve Sisolak said Monday that large venues must require attendees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or require everyone to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.

The Golden Knights don’t have a home game until their preseason opener Sept. 26, so they have time to decide. The team said in a statement today it is still evaluating its options.

“We are aware of the recent announcements from the governor regarding large venues and possible vaccination requirements. We will continue to follow the applicable guidance and recommendations from state and local health officials, the National Hockey League and the CDC. If any adjustments are made to our existing fan policies, we will communicate those changes once confirmed.”

Almost immediately after Sisolak’s announcement, the Raiders announced all fans will need to be vaccinated to attend games, starting with their regular season opener on Sept. 13, becoming the first NFL team to enact such a policy.

In their only home preseason game on Saturday, fans had to wear masks, but vaccines were not required.

If the Golden Knights decide to enact a vaccine requirement, fully vaccinated fans would not need to wear masks. Partially vaccinated fans could attend but would have to wear masks. Unvaccinated fans would not be allowed entry.

If the Golden Knights opt for a universal mask mandate, vaccine status would not be relevant.

The Winnipeg Jets is the only NHL team that has enacted a vaccine requirement for games. The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today fans will need proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test.

The Golden Knights were at full capacity for their playoff games by the end of last season, with the option for vaccinated attendees to remove their masks.

That was before the Delta variant led to a spike in cases in Nevada.

The Golden Knights have four preseason games, then open the regular season at home Oct. 12 against the Seattle Kraken.