UConn Athletics Officials Outline New Vaccine Mandate For Fans

STORRS, CT — Citing "rising levels of COVID-19 infection in Connecticut and the coun­try," UConn Athletics is requiring fans attending home sporting events to show proof of vaccination, or proof of a negative coronavirus test 72-hours of prior to game time.

The new requirements will go into effect for the women's basketball game against Xavier on Saturday and will apply to "all individuals," including UConn students, ages 12 and up.

Fans attending UConn home athletics contests are being encouraged to arrive early in order to expedite the entry process. Doors open 60-minutes prior to game time at the XL Center and 90-minutes prior to game time for events on campus.

Patrons will be required to provide proof of vaccination in either physical or digital form. A person is considered to be fully-vaccinated by CDC standards two weeks after his or her second dose in a two-dose vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna), or two-weeks after a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson).

Fans planning to attend UConn events can visit the CT WiZ web portal to easily access their digital vaccination record. Individuals who received their vaccination in the state of Connecticut will be able to download or print a digital vaccination records.

Proof of vaccination can also be demonstrated either by displaying a CDC-issued Vaccination Record Card, or a photo of the card.

Unvaccinated fans will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test, administered by a medical professional, within the last 72 hours before a game starts. Negative PCR or rapid antigen tests will be accepted, but an at-home test will not.

Proof of negative test will be accepted in both physical and digital form.

Officials said fans will also need to provide a form of identification, which corresponds to the vaccination or negative test record.

Individuals who have previously received a medical or religious exemption will also need to display a negative COVID-19 test, officials said.

Officials said fans who are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should not attend a UConn athletics contest, and all attendees ages 2 and older will be required to wear a face covering unless actively eating or drinking.

"The health and safety of our student-athletes, fans, coaches and staff is our main priority," UConn officials said. "We will continue to evaluate the situation around the on-going pandemic and will adjust policies as necessary to ensure our commitment to safety."