Louisiana State University became the first SEC school to require football fans to bring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for entry to football games at Tiger Stadium this fall, according to university officials Tuesday.
“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 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 game days, but long after guests have left Tiger Stadium.”
The policy applies to fans age 12 and older and will go into effect on Sept. 11, LSU’s home opener against McNeese State. Those who cannot provide proof of at least one dose will need to bring a negative COVID-19 PCR test from the last 72 hours.
The news comes the same day that LSU’s president said students, faculty and staff would be required to submit proof of vaccination in order to remain on campus during the Fall 2021 semester. In compliance with state laws, the university allows for students to formally opt out of vaccinations, but those who choose to do so will be routinely tested for COVID-19.
Following the FDA’s approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on Monday, LSU spokesperson Ernie Ballard alluded to an imminent schoolwide vaccination mandate.
A day later, Tate announced the school’s decision and explained his rationale for implementing the policy in a statement on LSU’s website.
“As an epidemiologist, I know that vaccination is the way out of this pandemic, and I’m grateful to everyone who has already been vaccinated for helping us move in that direction,” Tate said.
Students have until September 10 to submit proof of their first vaccine, and until October 15 to submit proof of their second dose.
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