Vaccine mandate issued for indoor sporting events

University of Maryland athletics announced Monday that there will be a vaccine requirement for all indoor sporting events, including men’s and women’s basketball.

Starting Sunday, all attendees ages 12 or older are required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of the game for entry into Xfinity Center.

Attendees under 12 years old are not required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test result. Maryland students, who are required to be vaccinated, do not have to provide proof of vaccination.

Before entering the Xfinity Center, fans will go through a vaccine security checkpoint where they have to show one of the following: COVID-19 vaccination card or a picture, a screenshot of COVID-19 vaccination record from a pharmacy or a screenshot of test results of negative PCR or rapid antigen. Home tests will not be accepted.

Fans 18 and older will be expected to show picture ID to verify ownership of vaccination card or negative test.

The indoor mask-wearing requirement for all spectators will remain in effect. Fans who are not in compliance with the requirement will be issued a verbal warning. If a fan continues to not be in compliance with the school’s policies, they will be required to leave the arena, without refund.

The previously announced safety measure to close concession stands will be extended through Saturday for all indoor sporting events, including women’s basketball and wrestling.

Concession stands are expected to reopen for the men’s basketball game against No. 23 Wisconsin on Sunday.

Maryland football graduate student defensive lineman Sam Okuayinonu announced Monday that he will declare for the 2022 NFL draft, joining teammate and tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo.

Okuayinonu, a native of Liberia, played in three seasons with the Terps after transferring from Mesabi Range Community College. He was granted an extra year of eligibility because of the coronavirus pandemic and he took advantage.

“The COVID year gave me a chance to sit down and say, ‘Sam, if you made this type of jump from being here for one season to the next, imagine what happens if you stay and take advantage of this COVID year,’ ” Locksley said. “He was one of the guys that we allowed back and he took full advantage of it.”

Okuayinonu, who was named third team All-Big Ten, registered 55 tackles and six sacks and helped Maryland defeat Virginia Tech in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl, securing the program’s first winning season since 2014.

Okuayinonu’s success in 2021 might have inspired senior defensive lineman Ami Finau, who announced that he is returning to Maryland for a fifth season after being named honorable mention All-Big Ten.