The Las Vegas Raiders are implementing a “vaccine passport” system using the free CLEAR app’s Health Pass feature. This move makes the Raiders the first team in the NFL to launch a vaccine passport policy.
The CLEAR app uses image recognition software to analyze biometric data to verify the user’s identity. Once verified, the event attendee enters with a Health Pass.
All Raiders fans attending home games at Allegiant Stadium will be required to presnt proof of vaccination through the CLEAR app, if they want to attend games in person. The vaccine passport policy takes effect for the first regular-season home game. That game will be played on September 13, against the Baltimore Ravens.
The move was prompted by yet another Emergency Directive from Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak; this directive concerned large entertainment events. “Health and safety remain our number one priority,” said Mark Davis, owner of the Raiders. “After consulting with Governor Sisolak, the new policy makes sure that Raiders games for this season at Allegiant Stadium will be at full capacity. That is, for fully vaccinated fans without face coverings”.
Moreover, Raiders fans will be offered vaccinations at Allegiant before home games. This will allow freshly vaccinated fans to enter the stadium. However, the newly vaccinated must still wear a mask, as well as wear an “identification mechanism,” such as a wristband.
However, Davis is “very concerned” that the vaccination requirement will drive fans away from the team, and away from Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders will offer season-ticket holders who refuse to get vaccinated full refunds.
Raiders Full-Time Employees Must Be Vaccinated, Players Do Not
A policy was put in place earlier this year, requiring all full-time employees of the Raiders organization to be vaccinated. Stadium management and stadium concessionaires have also mandated Covid-19 vaccinations for all of their full-time Allegiant Stadium employees.
However, not everyone is on board with mandatory vaccines. Raiders running back Josh Jacobs has commented, that while he supports vaccines, it should be a personal choice. Jacobs also commented that the NFL is “kinda forcing it on its players.” Jacobs remarks were in response to the new NFL policy that states that outbreaks among unvaccinated players could lead to their teams forfeiting games.
Team President Dan Ventrelle pointed out that players are exempt from mandatory vaccines, due to an agreement forged by the players’ union. Also, the current directive from Governor Sisolak exempts athletes from mask mandates. Despite that, as Josh Jacobs pointed out, the NFL is pressuring players to receive the vaccination through other means.
Fans React to the Raiders Vaccine Mandate
The reaction by the Raiders Nation has been mixed; some season ticket owners asked for refunds, while others have taken the vaccine and download the passport app.
Season ticket holder Pasquale Buonsante had this to say; “Vaccination is a personal choice. I don’t see why the Raiders or the government or any business needs to demand that.” He went on to say, “What’s the point if you can get COVID while being fully vaccinated?” Because of the Raider’s stance on vaccines, Buonsante plans to sell his season tickets.
Jeffrey Koonce, The father of Malcolm Koonce, the Raider’s rookie defensive end, is unable to receive a vaccination, due to pre-existing health conditions that could trigger an adverse reaction. Koonce believes that the Raider’s vaccine mandate might violate the Americans with Disabilities Act. That federal law forbids discrimination against those with disabilities and other medical conditions.
“I stood by him to get where Malcolm is now. For the powers that be to mandate that I can’t be there if I don’t get the vaccine… I don’t understand why I can’t come to see my son play if I test negative and wear a mask.”
However, some season ticket holders feel that attending football games without a mask provides enough reason to get vaccinated. Jillian Diaz of Los Angeles is among the fans that “… just can’t miss a game or that first throw at the new stadium.”
Secondary Ticket Market Sees a Small Uptick in Raiders Tickets
It appears that at least some season ticket owners are selling off their tickets; StubHub, a place where people can sell their sports and entertainment tickets, saw an increase in Raiders tickets following the mandatory vaccine announcement. However, the modest uptick in Raiders tickets for sale cannot be directly attributed to the mandate.
The Vegas Golden Knights and Other Local Teams are Not Requiring Mandatory Vaccines
While the Raiders may get all of the attention, other local sports teams will not require their fans to show proof of vaccination.
The Las Vegas hockey team, the Golden Knights, also play at Allegiant Stadium. However, they will not require fans to present proof of vaccination to attend Golden Knight games.
This far, UNLV has not yet made a decision about vaccines for its games at Allegiant Stadium. However, a spokesperson for the University said any requirements would be in line with state, county, and University guidelines.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway will not be requiring vaccine passports, at least for now. However, that could change by the NASCAR South Point 400 weekend, scheduled for September 24-26.
