OUTDOORS + RECREATION

Utah Jazz require COVID-19 vaccine or negative test for fans, new rule sparks heated reaction

Sep 24, 2021, 6:42 PM | Updated: Oct 20, 2021, 10:40 am

Utah Jazz and Vivint Arena announced a new partnership with American Express, emphasizing the benef...

Utah Jazz and Vivint Arena announced a new partnership with American Express, emphasizing the benefits card members will receive. (Photo: Paul Nelson)

(Photo: Paul Nelson)

SALT LAKE CITY – There was a huge announcement from the Utah Jazz and Vivint Arena on Friday. Officials will require people over the age of 12 to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19, or, a negative test before attending any event at the arena.  This new rule sparked strong reactions on both side of the vaccination debate.

The new rule goes into effect Sept. 30 with the Frozen Fury NHL preseason game between the LA Kings and the Las Vegas Golden Knights. Team officials say they’re not certain when it will be lifted.  They issued a statement saying the new policy could be modified at any time.

“Arena officials will continue to monitor the evolving circumstances surrounding COVID-19, working with event organizers and local, state and federal health agencies to determine health and safety measures,” the statement reads, in part.

According to team officials, they consider someone fully vaccinated if they can prove that 14 days have passed since they received their second dose of any FDA authorized COVID-19 vaccine.  Kids under the age of 12 are allowed to attend the games and other events, but they’re required to wear a face mask at all times.  Officials say even vaccinated guests are encouraged to wear masks, but it’s not required.

Critics despise the new rule

Judging by the comments on social media, this move has polarized many Jazz fans either for or against the vaccination rule.  One critic tells KSL he doesn’t believe it’s fair that everyone should prove their vaccination history since some people no longer have the required documentation.  He also says, if vaccination passport apps are approved, not everyone has the money to afford the smartphones needed to use them.

He says, “I think it’s unfair type of [thing] to say, ‘Ok, you guys have to have physical paperwork with you, or you ain’t getting in.’”

Critics on social media bashed the team’s decision. Some people said this rule won’t sway them to get the vaccine, at all.  Plus, they predict game attendance will drop significantly.

One woman posted, “I hope this discrimination causes all companies that do this absurd decision to lose a lot of money.  You can call it what you want but it is discrimination.”

Another posted, “I hope nobody shows up!”

Supporters explain why they love it

At the same time, many people are applauding the new requirement.  One fan posted, “Yay!  When I heard the OKC Thunder was doing this, I knew others would follow.  I already ordered my clear backpack to take to the games!  Yay for safety!”

Another wrote, “The smart thing to do.  The Raiders require vaccination and have an on-site vaccination option and COVID tests.  It has been popular.  Hundreds have been vaccinated for the games.”

One supporter of the new rule tells KSL he doesn’t believe the policy goes against any privacy laws. And he believes fans will be much better protected from the virus.

“We have to show proof of vaccines for school and everything else.  It’s not violating anything that’s protected normally under HIPPA,” he said.

One couple visiting from New York says they’ve been required to prove their vaccination status for several months. They say they’ve gotten used to it.

Read more:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Outdoors + Recreation

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

Unified police...

Mark Jones

Woman dies in hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon

Unified Police say a 34-year-old woman died Friday following a hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

11 months ago

Last week on the KSL Greenhouse show, Taun and Maria gave some options for weed control on our lawn...

Michelle Lee

Weed control options for your lawn

A healthy lawn needs an application of fertilizer at least once or twice a year. Additionally, you may need to use a weed killer occasionally.

11 months ago

two people pictured on a scenic lift ride, which will be available at the sundance mother's day eve...

Allessandra Harris

Sundance hosting weekend Mother’s Day event

A Mother's Day event at Sundance Mountain Resort will include things like spring skiing and scenic lift rides.

11 months ago

A recent string of trespassing incidents has te Utah Department of Transportation asking people not...

Adam Small

Trespassing on West Davis Corridor sites costing taxpayers millions

Utah transportation officials and police report multiple incidents of trespassing near the West Davis Corridor.

11 months ago

Utah's tourism industry experienced record growth in visitation and spending, according to a study ...

Mark Jones

Things to know when visiting Zion National Park

Jonathan Shafer, a spokesman for Zion National Park, joined KSL at Night on Tuesday to discuss what visitors should expect when visiting the park this summer.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Utah Jazz require COVID-19 vaccine or negative test for fans, new rule sparks heated reaction