The Oklahoma City Thunder announced new Health & Safety protocols for the start of the season:
Beginning Oct. 4, fans entering Paycom Center for Oklahoma City Thunder games will be required to provide proof of either full or partial COVID vaccination or a negative test taken within 72 hours prior to the game, the team announced today. The Thunder also strongly recommends fans wear face masks while in the arena. The NBA is expected to impose additional guidelines for fans sitting courtside.
The game entry policy will remain in effect through at least the first 12 games of the preseason and regular season at Paycom Center (Oct.4-Nov. 26) and will also be in effect for the preseason game on Oct. 14 at BOK Center in Tulsa. The policy will be constantly reviewed based on the status of COVID cases in Oklahoma.
“As we continue to face serious health challenges from COVID-19, we must remain committed to protecting the health and safety of our community,” said Thunder Chairman Clay Bennett. “While there are no perfect answers, our health experts tell us the vaccine has proven to be effective in slowing the spread of this virus, including the Delta variant. We feel the best option to help keep our community safe is to make sure those who attend our games have a reduced chance of contracting or spreading the virus. We are in frequent consultation with our partners at OU Health, the NBA and other health experts and organizations to monitor the situation and we plan to evaluate the status of this policy for December and beyond.”
“The spread of COVID-19 throughout Oklahoma these past couple of months has taken a great toll on our healthcare workers and hospital resources, often keeping critically ill patients waiting in emergency departments or being sent out of the area due to a lack of beds,” said Dr. Dale Bratzler, OU Health Chief Quality Officer and University of Oklahoma Chief COVID Officer. “I am extremely pleased to hear the steps the Oklahoma City Thunder is taking to not only help reduce the risk of transmission during games, but in encouraging Oklahomans to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines have proven to be extremely safe and are quite effective in reducing the risk of breakthrough COVID infections. Be safe, Oklahoma.”
Fans will have several options to show proof of vaccination or test results as they enter Paycom Center. Options include uploading vaccination cards and test results to the Thunder Mobile App or a special website that will be available which will allow fans to show documentation via their mobile phones. Printed or digital photos of CDC vaccination cards or test results will also be accepted.
Additional information is available on their FAQ page including:
All guests entering Paycom Center for Oklahoma City Thunder games in October and November are required to present proof of receiving at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or provide a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours prior to the game. All fans coming to the games will be strongly encouraged to wear face masks unless actively eating or drinking in the arena.
Children ages 2 to 11, who are not yet eligible for the vaccination, will not need to show a negative test but will be required to wear a mask at all times unless actively eating or drinking.
The policy will be constantly reviewed to determine the protocols for December and beyond, with that decision based on the status of COVID cases in our community at the time and the Thunder’s commitment to protecting our fans and our community from the virus.
The NBA is expected to impose additional requirements on fans sitting in courtside areas.
The Thunder wants to make this health safety process as easy as possible for fans. There will be multiple ways to provide documentation of full or partial vaccination or a negative test as you prepare to come to Paycom Center.
More information and answers to questions about the guest entry policy can be found at okcthunder.com/healthprotocol.
Photo: Getty Images