Staples Center releases new fan guidelines
It will have been 13 months since the halls of Staples Center have been buzzing with the rank and file spectators. While Staples Center will again play host on Thursday to some 2,000 fans, it won’t be as much swinging the doors open as much as cracking them.
What was once L.A.’s busiest venue announced its procedures to get busy again starting when the Lakers play the Celtics. Among the many procedures, the most urgent is for all spectators to either be fully vaccinated according to CDC guidelines, or provide proof of a negative coronavirus test within the previous 72 hours.
It will be a challenge for plenty of fans, acknowledged Danielle Snyder, the vice president of guest services and security at Staples Center. But in the “short interim” before stadiums are able to operate at full capacity, there will be a number of precautions to help protect fans and prevent the spread of COVID-19 at the largest indoor mass gatherings in Los Angeles since the pandemic began.
“We have such a loyal fanbase of people who love to come see their home team, we feel like we’re part of the culture with all the events we have here, and that people are used to having a certain experience,” Snyder said. “But we know we need to have a safe experience for everyone to have a good time at the game, and yes, we have to do all these things to ensure that.”
For those who can attend a Lakers, Clippers or Kings home game, the first thing they’ll notice is the borders of Staples Center have expanded beyond its physical walls. Staff will meet attendees at locations in a fencedoff perimeter around the arena to check health verification and photo ID. Testing will not be available on site, but must be done in advance. Tickets will only be accepted on mobile devices. No purses or bags will be permitted inside; wallets only.
Once within the fenced-off area, guests will be required to wear a face covering for their noses and mouths for the entire game (except in designated outdoor eating areas). Neck gaiters and bandanas will not be accepted; face shields can only be worn with masks.
While technically Staples is allowed to fill to 35 percent capacity, realistically with other guidelines set by the state and county health officials — especially required social distancing between spectators — even 35 percent capacity of the 19,000-seat Staples Center is not practically feasible. But there is a strong chance more fans will be welcomed in as the season progresses, more people are vaccinated and health standards are gradually softened.
“We’re waiting with bated breath,” Snyder said, “just like everyone else.”
The in-person experience will be different in a few dramatic ways: No cash will be accepted in Staples Center. While some concourse food options will be open, there won’t be any eating or drinking in the arena bowl; all diners will have to go outside to chow down. Groups of fans sitting together will need to be from the same household. Hand sanitizer stations will be posted throughout the venue, and hand-washing is encouraged.