The Chronicle Herald (Provincial)
Scotiabank Centre to require proof of vaccination or negative test
Atlantic Canada’s largest arena, Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, will require proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 for spectators beginning Oct. 1.
Attendees who do not have proof of vaccination can alternatively provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within the past 72 hours to gain entry to the venue, Scotiabank Centre and the Halifax Mooseheads announced in a news release Monday.
Events prior to Oct. 1, such as the Mooseheads’ Sept. 11 preseason game, will follow the venue’s current protocols, which include physical distancing, reduced capacity and other public health measures.
Scotiabank Centre plans to return to full capacity
for events once Nova Scotia moves to Phase 5 of its reopening plan, which is expected to happen Sept. 15 if enough of the province’s residents are vaccinated.
That means the increased capacity should be in effect for the Mooseheads’ final preseason game Sept. 24 and their regular-season home opener against Cape Breton on Oct. 2.
Scotiabank Centre employees and suppliers will also be required to have proof of vaccination and will continue to wear masks when working in the venue.
The masking policy for spectators will align with provincial guidelines, the release said.
“As we return to hosting live events, Scotiabank Centre plays an important role in keeping our city safe and vibrant,” Carrie Cussons, president and CEO of Scotiabank Centre, said in the release.
“We can’t wait to welcome our community back to experience the magic of live events while doing everything we can to keep our guests and employees safe.”
Bobby Smith, majority owner of the Mooseheads, said the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League team wants its fans to feel confident and comfortable at games.
“We’re looking forward to Scotiabank Centre again having the best atmosphere to watch hockey and being the most fun place to play hockey in the entire country,” Smith said.
“After much internal discussion and input from our fans, we realize that the best way to welcome back our fans is to implement a policy insisting that all fans will provide a negative (test result) for Covid-19 upon entering the arena or be fully vaccinated.”
Details on the process for submitting proof of vaccination will be shared with ticket holders before Oct. 1, the release said.
Soccer’s HFX Wanderers announced Aug. 23 that proof of vaccination or a negative test result will be needed to get into the Wanderers Grounds for the remainder of the season.