End of mask mandate brings changes to Las Vegas sports world
Gov. Steve Sisolak announced the suspension of Nevada’s mask mandate on Thursday, which means sporting events in Las Vegas may look different now.
Fans attending Golden Knights and Silver Knights games will no longer be required to wear masks, per a statement the teams released following the governor’s announcement.
“In light of today’s announcement by Governor Sisolak, the Vegas Golden Knights and Henderson Silver Knights are pleased to rescind the requirement for our guests to wear a mask at our home games, as well as at City National Arena and Lifeguard Arena. We will continue to follow the state’s guidance on this issue and adjust our policies accordingly if needed.”
The Golden Knights play at T-Mobile Arena again on Wednesday against the Colorado Avalanche at 7 p.m.
The new mask policy brings changes to the sportsbook scene inside casinos and Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
“Amongst our team members, a lot of people were relieved and they’re ready to move forward without these masks,” Westgate SuperBook vice president Jay Kornegay said. “I’ve already received a number of texts from guests that are also celebrating the lifting of the mask mandate. A fair share of loyal, regular players had said they weren’t planning on coming in for the Super Bowl but now they’re revisiting their plans.
It helps us with everything. It helps us with hotel rooms. It helps us with food and beverage. And it helps us with Super Bowl (betting) handle.”
Most fans enjoy events at LVMS outdoors so the mask policy hasn’t been much of an issue, but LMVS president Chris Powell says the lifting of the mask mandate will increase the fan experience.
“Primarily, it’s encouraging that the COVID-related numbers have decreased in the past few weeks. The vast majority of our race attendees are seated outdoors, so they won’t feel the impact while on our property. But the lifting of the mask mandate will make their Las Vegas experience so much more enjoyable when they’re visiting our city’s hotels, restaurants, gaming tables and other indoor venues.”
NASCAR’s Pennzoil 400 is scheduled for March 6 in Las Vegas.
UNLV Athletics
UNLV Athletics will no longer require proof of vaccination to attend basketball games at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Since the start of this season, proof of full COVID-19 vaccination was required for entry to UNLV basketball games at the Thomas & Mack Center, allowing attendance without a mask.
However, beginning with the next men’s basketball home game on Saturday, Feb. 19, vs. Colorado State, fans will be able to attend regardless of vaccination status, with mask-wearing optional for all ages.
Club sports
The Sandpipers of Nevada released an email saying, “It is imperative that all of our athletes, coaches, parents, and spectators follow the mask rules at each facility. Simply said, the decision about masks comes from each facilities’ superiors or local governing body. The facilities are following the rules given to them and we, as facility users, must do the same.”
Sandpiper facilities have the following mask requirements:
Bodyline Swim Shop & Gym — masks optional
Centennial Hills YMCA — masks optional
Desert Breeze Aquatic Facility — masks required until told differently
Durango Hills YMCA — masks optional
Municipal Pool — masks required until told differently
Pavilion Center Pool — masks required until told differently
Stone Sports — masks optional
Contact Rochelle Richards at rrichards@reviewjournal.com. Follow @RoRichards24 on Twitter.
