LSU to Require Proof of COVID-19 Vaccine or Negative Test for Entry into Tiger Stadium

LSU rolled out its COVID-19 protocols for Tiger Stadium ahead of the home opener September 11 against McNeese State.

LSU is requiring anyone over the age of 12 to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken 72 hours prior to entry into Tiger Stadium. LSU became the first SEC school to outline such a policy. The university won’t require children under 12 to provide proof of vaccination but mandates those between 5 and 11 to wear masks; children under 5 aren’t required to wear a mask but are encouraged to do so.

“As the flagship institution of the state of Louisiana, our foremost responsibility is to ensure the safety of our students, our supporters, and our community,” LSU President William Tate IV said. “While we are aware of the diverse perspectives across the nation regarding masks and vaccinations, we must take all reasonable measures to protect our campus and community, not only on gamedays, but long after guests have left Tiger Stadium. The current threat to our lives, our health, and to our medical systems due to COVID-19 is overburdening our hospitals, and we must do our part to stop the spread.”

Below is a portion of LSU’s policy. You can read the policy in its entirety here.

To gain entry into Tiger Stadium, guests 12 and older must show proof of at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine that has received full approval or emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization. A vaccination card, a photo or photocopy of a vaccination card, or verified digital proof of vaccination, including LA Wallet or another government-sanctioned mobile app, will be accepted, with entry granted upon visual inspection.

Those who have not yet received a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine must present digital or hard copy proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of kickoff prior to entering the stadium. Guests younger than 12 will not need to present a negative test; masks will be encouraged for children younger than 5 and required for children ages 5 to 11 years old.

LSU athletic director Scott Woodward also said the following.

“We have the best fans in college football, and we are doing everything we can to ensure their experience in Tiger Stadium this fall is safe and enjoyable. When our fans arrive on Saturdays to cheer on the Tigers, they will have confidence that we have taken measures to mitigate their health risks. Our football team has reached 99.1% vaccination, and we are incredibly proud of them for doing their part to protect their team and their community. We are confident our fans will do the same, and I encourage all Tiger fans to receive vaccinations today.”

If you are a season ticket holder wanting a refund, the statement says you need to email tickets@lsu.edu by this Friday, August 27. And if you have not yet gotten a vaccination but want to, a list of locations throughout Louisiana can be found on Louisiana Department of Health’s website which I’ve linked here.