Seahawks, Sounders, And Mariners To Require Proof Of Vaccination

SEATTLE — Sports fans in Western Washington will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 if they want to attend this year's biggest games.

The Seattle Seahawks, Sounders and Mariners all independently announced Tuesday that they would be requiring all fans 12 and older to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination before they are allowed entry to T-Mobile Park or Lumen Field.

"The health and safety of our guests, players and staff is always our top priority and we remain committed to doing what we can to keep our community safe," said Chuck Arnold, President, Seattle Seahawks and First & Goal Inc in a written statement. "These measures will allow us to continue with plans to host a full stadium of fans, while still providing a safe and fun experience for our guests. We urge everyone who is eligible to please get vaccinated."

Following their announcement other teams have followed suit. Proof of vaccination will also be required at Climate Pledge Arena, including for Kraken games, and for all UW events, including Huskies matches.

In their announcements, the Seahawks and Sounders said that a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of kickoff could also be used to gain attendance in lieu of a vaccination card. The Mariners' release does not provide a similar exemption, but does say that further details on their vaccination verification plan will be announced soon.

“The evidence is clear -- vaccination is safe and effective in preventing serious illness from COVID-19. We are making this announcement now to give our Season Ticket Members and other fans the opportunity to get vaccinated before the requirement takes effect,” said Trevor Gooby, Seattle Mariners Sr. Vice President of Ballpark Operations.

All three announcements came the same day that King County Executive Dow Constantine announced his intention to implement a vaccine verification policy for some local businesses starting in October. The rush to require proof of vaccination is an apparent reaction to the latest, record-breaking wave of new COVID-19 infections that has caused case counts to skyrocket across Washington. Supporters of the requirements say the vaccine requirement will protect fans, and hopefully prevent the state's struggling health care system from becoming overwhelmed.

"As excited as we have been to welcome fans back to Lumen Field this season, we recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over and we want to do everything in our power to continue to provide a safe and comfortable matchday experience to everyone who comes out to the stadium," said Sounders FC Owner & President of Business Operations Peter Tomozawa.

The Sounders vaccine verification plan will be in place in time for their next home match this Saturday against Minnesota United FC. The Seahawks will be shortly behind them, checking vaccination status starting with the team's home opener on Sept. 19 vs. the Tennessee Titans. The Mariners only say that the team will require proof of vaccination for "all potential 2021 postseason games" but the team's staff is required to be vaccinated by Oct. 4.

According to the Seahawks, to prove vaccination status, Lumen Field employees will accept:

• A CDC (or foreign equivalent) vaccination card with the visitor's name and dates of doses.
• A photo or digital version of that vaccination card.
• Vaccination verification on the CLEAR Heath Pass app.

For the testing exemption, employees will take printed or digital negative COVID-19 tests as long as they are postmarked within the past 72 hours with the patient's name and lab location. Tests must be PCR or rapid tests, self-administered tests will not be accepted.

All three teams have also confirmed they will be in compliance with the county's latest mask order. That order, which went into effect Tuesday, requires face coverings for residents 5 and older at any gathering with 500 or more attendees, regardless of vaccination status.

"Vaccinations and the use of face masks are two simple ways that we can all help protect ourselves, our families and our greater community. We need to take care of one another, now more than ever," Tomozawa said. "Mask up and if you’re able to get vaccinated, go get your shot!"