The Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Edmonton Elks announced Monday that fans will need to be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result to attend their home games.
The policy will kick in for spectators starting with the Elks’ game on Oct. 15 at The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium. While the protocol will be in place at Regina’s Mosaic Stadium with a targeted date of Sept. 17.
The Roughriders say they’re implementing the policy given the rise of cases in Saskatchewan and the increased threat of the Delta variant.
“In consultations with local medical health officers this past week, they voiced their support to begin requiring proof of vaccination at Roughrider games,” said president and CEO Craig Reynolds in a press release.
“After speaking with our stakeholders, including the City of Regina – our stadium owner, REAL – our stadium operator and the CFL, we decided that this is the right decision for our club and for our fans.”
Roughriders fans under the age of 12, who currently are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, will be exempt. The Elks did not reveal if they have a similar exemption.
The Calgary Stampeders have also imposed their own proof-of-vaccination policy for fans starting on Sept. 15.
The CFL has already been forced to postpone a game between the Elks and Toronto Argonauts due to an outbreak on Edmonton.
The Roughriders will host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sept. 5 while the Elks have two home games scheduled – Sept. 11 against the Stampeders and Sept. 18 against the Blue Bombers – before the new safety measures take effect.
