The measure is intended to protect the health and wellness of fans, guests, sponsors, staff, players, officials, media and all who will come to Enterprise Center for Blues games. The policy will take effect ahead of the Blues' regular season home opener on Saturday, Oct. 23, vs. the Los Angeles Kings.
The policy will also apply to fans and guests attending other events at Enterprise Center and Stifel Theatre, with some events at either venue subject to additional protocols at the request of the artist. Employees of the St. Louis Blues, Enterprise Center and Stifel Theatre, event staff, sponsors, news media and all others will be required to follow the same policy, which will continue into the regular season, subject to periodic reviews and potential revisions as circumstances warrant.
The Blues will continue to be guided in the months ahead by the CDC as well as local, state and federal health and safety authorities. The Blues are the 16th team in the National Hockey League to introduce a policy requiring fans to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result to attend games.
"We have introduced and adjusted policies for our fans and guests throughout the pandemic to reflect the evolution of the virus and the best safety practices available," said Chris Zimmerman, President and CEO of Business Operations of the St. Louis Blues, Enterprise Center and Stifel Theatre. "Our plan to use vaccine validation or negative test results as a requirement for entry is in line with policies being implemented by our division rivals in Nashville and Chicago, as well as dozens of other sports teams, stadiums, arenas, outdoor amphitheaters and festivals, and anywhere people come together for a good time.
"We strongly encourage everyone to receive the vaccine. That is the quickest and most effective way to put this pandemic behind us. In the meantime, we will do our part to protect our fans and guests by requiring vaccination or a negative test result as they arrive at Enterprise Center and Stifel Theatre. It's the right thing to do for ourselves, and for others."
Key information related to the policy includes:
"We all want the same thing - Blues hockey as it was meant to be," Zimmerman said. "We want everyone getting back together as one, with players and fans alike feeding off the energy as we remember it not that long ago. The same holds true for a concert or performance. The experience of enjoying a headlining act is something we've missed, and we look forward to again hosting the biggest artists and tours at Enterprise Center and Stifel Theatre this fall and beyond.
"But, what's most important is returning safely and responsibly. Everyone who comes through our doors counts on us to provide a safe and heathy environment the moment they purchase their ticket, and we intend to meet those expectations."
More information is available for fans and guests by visiting stlouisblues.com/safety.
