Live, ticketed events are officially coming back to San Francisco.
That includes fans cheering on the Golden State Warriors.
"We know that much of what makes San Francisco special are the live performances and events where people can come together for music, sports and cultural performances, and graduations," said Mayor London Breed. “We’ve all been missing these events over the last year, and we are excited for this step and what lies ahead."
San Francisco "will generally align" with California Department of Public Health guidelines, an announcement on Thursday said. Beginning April 15, indoor seated and ticketed performances will allow for the maximum 35% capacity, provided social distancing guidelines can be maintained and masking requirements are observed.
But there’s a catch: Those in attendance must show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.
However, that won’t be required if the venue is only hosting 15% capacity.
In lockstep with the city, Chase Center will host fans at 35% capacity beginning with the team’s April 23 game against the Denver Nuggets and for the remainder of the season. All fans in attendance must produce either proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test no older than two days to enter.
Anyone who buys game tickets more than a week in advance is eligible to get a free, at-home COVID-19 test from the Warriors in a first for professional sports.
"Fans who can provide proof of vaccination do not need to produce a negative COVID-19 test, unless they are seated within 30 feet of the court," a team news release said. "Fully-vaccinated fans will have the opportunity to purchase tickets in designated sections of the arena bowl."
Pregame and postgame gatherings will be discouraged outside the arena.
Physical distancing will be observed, along with masking requirements when in the building. Mobile ticketing will allow fans to enter Chase Center without contact, and a new mobile app experience pushes fans to "designated express pick-up locations at select eateries and bars throughout the venue."
"Stable or declining" COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations remains a key factor in this phase of reopening, city officials said. San Francisco is averaging 37 new coronavirus cases per day as of Thursday, a rate that’s been consistently observed since early March.
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