As local requirements and new mandates begin to increase around the country due to COVID-19, the United Center has officially announced its plans for upcoming events, including Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks games this fall.
Attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to gain access to the arena. The United Center announced the guidelines on Thursday morning, and they will go into effect immediately.
UPDATE: The United Center will require all event attendees, including fans at @ChicagoBulls and @NHLBlackhawks games, to present proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to gain access to the arena.
For more info, please visit: https://t.co/jxcR1lHtJP pic.twitter.com/DJw9IERUaR
— United Center (@UnitedCenter) September 2, 2021
Considering the exciting offseason that both the Bulls and Blackhawks had, I’m sure many fans are eager to pack the United Center for the first time since early 2020. However, according to the United Center’s press release, each league still has the right to administer its own rules and regulations, so exactly what gameday will look like is still up in the air.
As final NBA and NHL health and safety guidelines have yet to be announced, these protocols are still subject to potential league requirements, and the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks may communicate additional details to their fans as the season approaches.
Both leagues seem prepared to have as normal of a season as possible, and the NBA took more strides toward making that happen on Thursday. According to Shams Charania, fully vaccinated players will not be subject to regular testing nor quarantine requirements or facility restrictions. Meanwhile, unvaccinated players will likely have to live a life similar to what we saw in 2020-21.
Fully vaccinated individuals: Not required to quarantine if close contact. No restrictions on team activities.
Non-fully-vaccinated: Required to quarantine for seven days if close contact. Masks at facilities/team travel. Not able to sit next to other players during activities. https://t.co/ASKdCdfD1t
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 2, 2021
So this is just another great reason to get your vaccine!