United Center To Require Proof Of Full COVID Vaccination Or Negative COVID Test For All Events
CHICAGO (CBS)-- The United Center is not taking any chances, as officials there on Thursday announced new COVID-19 rules for Bulls and Blackhawks fans.
As CBS 2's Marissa Parra reported, you'll need more than just your favorite jersey if you're looking to fill the stands at the United Center. If you're over the age of 12, your COVID-19 vaccination card, or a negative COVID test, will be required as part of your ticket.
"The decision to implement proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is representative of the continued commitment to providing the best environment for a safe return for all fans and employees," officials said in a written release. "This new entrance process will go into effect for all future events and will remain in place until further notice."
This rule goes not just for Bulls and Blackhawks games, but concerts and other events at the United Center too.
Tame Impala appears at the United Center this coming Tuesday. Harry Styles will be performing on Sept. 24 and 25, and days after that, the Bulls and Blackhawks return for preseason games.
The United Center said these rules are just the baseline – the minimum – and sports leagues and artists can add to it. For instance, you'll need a COVID test with a 48-hour turnaround for those Harry Styles concerts.
For much of the coronavirus pandemic, the United Center became just about everything but a place for fans. It was a mass-vaccination site earlier this year, and even a mass voting site back in November.
But as fans get ready to head back inside for another season, the United Center, again, believes this is the safest way to go.
Meanwhile, the city's indoor mask mandate remains in place, and masks will also be required inside the arena.
Additional investments have been made to increase air flow within the arena. The United Center has upgraded air filters.
The United Center further said that despite the new rules, the Bulls and Blackhawks may decide to make even stricter rules down the road.
Additional investments have been made to increase air flow within the arena. The United Center has upgraded air filters.
Information on the safety requirements needed to enter the arena can be found online.