TD Garden says vax or negative test needed for games

TD Garden is the latest sports venue to impose requirements around coronavirus vaccination for fans looking to attend games.

Fans 12 and older looking to attend Boston Bruins or Celtics games this season will be required to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or produce a negative result from a qualifying test to enter the arena beginning Sept. 30.

The rules around testing and vaccination apply to anyone entering the building — fans, players, coaches, referees, vendors and others.

Per the city of Boston’s current indoor face covering mandate, anyone over the age of 2 is also required to wear a mask inside TD Garden except while actively eating or drinking, as permitted.

TD Garden officials made the decision at a meeting last week, opting to impose stricter regulations as the delta variant continues to spread, fueling the pandemic in Massachusetts.

“Our primary goal is to keep our fans, guests, employees, players and performers safe,” Amy Latimer, president of TD Garden, said in a statement. “We have worked diligently with public health officials, experts and our industry leaders and have a shared belief that this is the best approach to keep live events going.”

The regulations take effect on the date of the first Bruins preseason home game and less than a month before the Bruins and Celtics start their 2021-22 regular seasons.

The rules will also apply to fans attending any TD Garden’s upcoming concerts, which includes J. Cole, Michael Buble and others in the next month.

TD Garden officials said COVID policies “will continue to be reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis.”

TD Garden officials said they will accept the original Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccination card or a digital copy of the vaccination card that can be checked against a valid ID as proof of full vaccination. For guests 18 years or older, valid forms of ID include driver’s license, state identification card or passport.

To satisfy the testing requirement, TD officials will accept a printout or digital copy of a negative antigen test sampled within 24 hours of the event or a negative molecular/PCR test sampled within 72 hours of the event as proof.

The policy stresses that self-administered at-home rapid/antigen tests will not be accepted.

MATT STONE / HERALD STAff fiLE CHECK IT AT THE DOOR: Starting Sept. 30, fans going to TD Garden for Bruins and Celtics game, as well as concerts, will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test to enter the building. The policy also applies to players, performers and employees.

NANcy LANE / HERALD STAff fiLE REQUIRED: Celtics fans react during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first round series against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden on May 30. At right, Bruins fans celebrates after Charlie Coyle’s goal during the first period of Round Two, Game Two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden on May 31.