The Seattle Mariners are not messing around when it comes to attendance this fall if they make the postseason. Vaccination proof is going to be required.
Here’s the pertinent part of the release from the team:
The Seattle Mariners today announced plans to require all guests aged 12 and older to show proof of vaccination for all potential 2021 postseason games that may be held at T-Mobile Park. Public Health — Seattle & King County today announced plans for a vaccine verification policy that is likely to take effect in October.
“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, Ballpark Operations.
Additional details about vaccine verification for T-Mobile Park events will be communicated at a later date.
It’s a bold step for a sports team to require vaccination, though the science is certainly on their side. The vaccines, which are safe and effective, are the one of the best tools against serious illness and continued spread of the virus, and teams certainly have an interest in keeping their fan events from becoming vectors for ongoing issues.
The Mariners are currently 5.5 games back in the AL West, and 3.0 games back of the second Wild Card.
It’ll be interesting to see if other organizations follow suit, or set their limit at requiring non-player employees to get vaccinated.