Canucks ‘definitely’ considering requiring proof of vaccine at Rogers Arena

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — While the Vancouver Canucks haven’t announced what COVID-19 measures will be in place at Rogers Arena this season, the possibility of requiring proof of vaccine for entry is something the organization is “definitely exploring.”

On Wednesday, the parent company of the Winnipeg Jets announced plans to fill the arena for Jets home games this year, and will require all employees, event staff, and guests to provide proof of vaccination. The team’s website says fans will also be required to wear masks in the arena. The policy will not apply to players, whose vaccination status will be up to the league and the NHL Players’ Association.

The Canucks’ home opener on Oct. 26 will mark the first time fans will be allowed in the stands in 595 days. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Canucks says plans for the season are still being finalized.

“We are in continuous dialogue with the health authorities and are fully committed to the safety of our staff, players, season ticket members and fans as we prepare to welcome everyone back to Rogers Arena,” writes Michael Doyle, President Canucks Sports & Entertainment, Business Operations.

“While we have not made any final decisions, we are definitely exploring the possibility of requiring proof of vaccination for entry into our venues.”

As the @NHLJets announce vaccination requirements for fans, the @Canucks say they're considering proof of vaccine as well. pic.twitter.com/VDBgAs17F8

— Sonia Aslam (@SoniaSAslam) August 12, 2021

Any policies for Rogers Arena will also apply at Abbotsford Centre where the team’s minor league affiliate plays.

Sportsnet 650’s Satiar Shah says from a business standpoint, requiring proof of vaccine makes sense since it would likely eliminate the requirement for physical distancing, making room for more fans to buy tickets and concessions.

“These are private businesses, and we’re coming off a pandemic,” he says.

“You’re coming off a year where there was no revenue at all. These organizations and these franchises despite being worth hundreds of millions, they lost a lot of money this past year not having any fans in the building. The best way they can ensure their revenue stream for next year is the road they’re going to go down. We’ll see if the Canucks ultimately require vaccinations, but it might be their best and most safe bet to make sure that they’re making as much money as possible next season.”

RELATED: Canada working on proof-of-vaccination credentials for international travel

Shah also says he doubts the NHL will step in and impose sweeping rules for all venues, noting no professional sports league has done anything like that yet. And he notes Canadian venues have generally imposed stricter protocols than their U.S.

“For Canadian franchises here — especially having closed-door buildings you don’t have open-air stadiums like football does, or baseball does, or soccer does — if the fourth wave gets stronger and cases start going up again, more franchises may look at requiring vaccine passports.”

As for any concern that requiring proof of vaccine would alienate or deter some fans, Shah says that should not be a concern, particularly with immunization rates over 70 per cent and mandatory vaccines required for other activities like travel and work.

“A lot of companies, a lot of organizations are requiring their staff and their employees to be vaccinated. It’s going to be the case that one way or another, whether you like it or not, a lot of people will end up having to get vaccinated. As far as losing money or people being upset about it, it really should not be driving the decision,” he says.

If the Canucks do make the move to require proof of vaccination, Shah says it could set the tone for other organizations and businesses.

“They can totally be leaders in that regard, by being a big of a private company that has a very public face, and has a lot of reach in this province. It does kind of pave the way for other businesses who might be kind of on the fence.”

With files from Sonia Aslam and The Canadian Press