September 10, 2021
How Chicago Sky plan to protect their fans from COVID-19
New guidelines set to take effect
With three home games left in the regular season, the Chicago Sky announced new health and safety COVID-19 protocols for fans attending games at Wintrust Arena.
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Beginning Friday, Sept. 17; fans attending games must provide physical or digital proof of a COVID-19 vaccination card at the entrance to Wintrust Arena.
Illinois Department of Public Health officials reported 4,741 new confirmed. And probable cases of COVID-19 and 22 related deaths on Thursday, according to an ABC7 report.
There have been 1,559,077 total COVID cases, including 24,215 deaths in Illinois since the pandemic began.
Individuals who are not fully vaccinated must provide proof of a negative test result within 48 hours before attending a Chicago Sky game. The Illinois statewide mask mandate requires all fans over the age of 2 years old to wear masks at Wintrust Arena.
However, the timing provides something of a dilemma, considering their next game is Sunday, Sept. 12 against the Washington Mystics. Do the current rules stay the same? A Chicago Sky spokesperson did not respond to an email from The Next asking to clarify Sunday’s rules.
Adam Fox, Sky President and CEO, attempted to shed light on the reasons for extra precautions:
“With the increase in infections, people beginning to congregate indoors again, especially with young people going back to school who attend our games, we are committed to doing our part by joining other sports venues and large-attended indoor events that are working to mitigate the spread,” Fox said. “We hope this gives fans of all ages the ability to feel confident and secure about coming to see us play as we wrap up the regular season and head into the upcoming 2021 WNBA Playoffs.”
The mandate applies to all individuals, regardless of vaccination status.
And “Neck gaiters, bandanas, face shields, and masks with valves are NOT approved masks”, according to the team.
Children under 12 can attend games Wintrust Arena without a vaccine or negative test. But are required to wear a mask (two years and younger excluded).
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A rise in Covid-19 cases requires tighter restrictions at Wintrust Arena in Chicago (photo: Alison Moran-Powers)
All fans 18 years and older can use the CLEAR Health Pass to assist with their proof of vaccination, or they can bring their approved CDC vaccination card or negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours before the game to show at the entrance.
The Sky are currently 15-14 and sit in sixth place in the overall WNBA standings. They have clinched a playoff berth but must finish in the top six to host at least one playoff game.
