SEATTLE – Fans who attend most professional sporting events in Seattle will soon have to prove that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or have tested negative for the virus.

The NFL Seahawks, MLS Sounders, NHL Kraken, MLB Mariners, University of Washington and Washington State University at Pullman all announced updated policies on Tuesday. for fans attending games this season.

The Seahawks will be the first to implement the demands, starting with their Sept. 19 home opener against Tennessee. Fans will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test taken within 72 hours of the event to be allowed entry.

“The health and safety of our guests, players and staff is always our top priority and we remain committed to doing what we can to keep our community safe,” Seahawks president Chuck Arnold said in a statement. . “These measures will allow us to continue our plans to host a stadium full of fans, while providing a safe and fun experience for our guests.”

Washington will begin an identical verification process for fans with its September 25 home game against California. The Sounders kick off with their Oct. 3 game against Colorado. Washington state has said its verification process will begin in October, but as of today, masks are mandatory to attend football games, regardless of vaccination status.

The Mariners said fans should plan to provide proof of vaccination for any potential playoff games the team hosts. The Mariners’ regular season home final is October 3. The team also said that all reception, event and Mariners employees at team-run facilities in the United States were informed in late August that they must be fully immunized by October 4 as condition. Employment.

While other Seattle teams allow a negative test to enter, the Kraken will only allow fans who are vaccinated during games. Requirements will remain in place for other events at Climate Pledge Arena, including concerts.

The team said they will introduce a process to display proof of vaccination via smartphones. The Kraken’s first home game is scheduled for October 23 against Vancouver.

The Kraken said the vaccination requirement will also apply to the team’s three preseason games, which will be played at Spokane, Everett and Kent.