Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will now be required for all fans attending Pilot home games, the UP Athletic Department announced today. If fans are unable to show proof of vaccination, they can instead show documentation of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the game they are attending.
The requirement will go into effect Sept. 6, beginning with the men’s soccer game against UC San Diego on that day.
Fans under 12 do not need to show proof of vaccination. UP students, faculty, and staff can show their UP ID card at the entrance to signify that they have complied with the University’s vaccination policy.
Outside fans must either show their CDC-issued vaccination card, a photo of their vaccination card or documentation of a negative PCR test. Fans must be fully vaccinated for two weeks before forgoing the negative PCR test.
Masks are continuing to be required for all fans above the age of 5.
The new vaccination policy is in response to the increase of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Oregon due to the upsurge of the Delta variant.
"We're excited for our student-athletes to have the ability to compete in front of spectators again, and are going to do everything in our power to make sure that continues to happen," University of Portland Vice President for Athletics Scott Leykam said in an email.
Sadie Wuertz is the Sports Editor for The Beacon. She can be reached at wuertz22@up.edu.
