Excelsior! COVID-free pass for fans OKd

ALBANY — Sports fans in New York can now use a state-issued “pass” to prove they’re COVID-free before the next big game at Madison Square Garden or Barclays Center.

The “Excelsior Pass,” which began with a pilot program launched Feb. 27 for a Brooklyn Nets game at Barclays Center, will utilize a mobile QR code that confirms a negative coronavirus test or that someone has been fully vaccinated.

The pass, which was developed in partnership with IBM and has functions similar to a mobile boarding pass for air travel, will next be tested Tuesday for a New York Rangers game at MSG.

Gov. Cuomo said the program will play a critical role in getting information to venues and sites in a secure and streamlined way, “allowing us to fast-track the reopening of these businesses and getting us one step closer to reaching a new normal.”

“We’re doing everything we can to vaccinate as many New Yorkers as possible, as quickly as possible, while keeping the infection rate down and reenergizing our economy in a safe, smart way,” the governor said in a statement. “As we begin reopening the valves on different sectors of our economy, we are putting guidelines in place to ensure individuals attending events involving larger gatherings have tested negative for COVID or have been vaccinated to avoid an outbreak of the virus.”

In February, the state Department of Health issued new guidance allowing arenas and stadiums to reopen to fans.

The guidance requires all employees and spectators to be either fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of an event.

Stadiums and arenas with more than 10,000 seats can host events with a strict 10% capacity limit and other coronavirus safety protocols in place such as socially-distanced seating and mask-wearing.