A day after an internal memo indicated the Mercedes-Benz Superdome would require masks to attend events at 100% capacity, the New Orleans Saints addressed the issue themselves.
The Saints reiterated that they wouldn't require proof of vaccination, and "fully expect and intend to begin the season without masks being required." But that expectation was based on the continued improvement in community coronavirus vaccination rates. That statement also conceded that if the season started on June 25, the city would require fans to wear masks to attend an indoor event at full capacity.
The Saints added that 100 percent of the team's coaching and ops staff are vaccinated, and the team is in the top-three of the league in therms of player vaccination rates.
The first game hosted in New Orleans for the 2021 slate will be a preseason contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Aug 23.
Read the full statement from the Saints below.
"Based on the current City of New Orleans policy, if we were to start the season today, the city of New Orleans would require fans to wear masks to host an event with full capacity. The New Orleans Saints would not, and will not, require proof of vaccination for fans attending our games. As our community vaccination rate continues to improve over the summer, we fully expect and intend to begin the season without masks being required. Additionally, 100 percent of our coaching and football operations staff are fully vaccinated, and we are amongst the top three teams in the NFL in player vaccination rate. As we have stated in the past, we encourage everyone eligible in our community to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their families, and their neighbors. This will further ensure our intentions of not requiring a mask to attend our games."
