Mavs To Lift COVID Testing, Vaccination Mandates For Fans

The majority of fans attending Mavericks games at American Airlines Center will no longer need to provide proof of full vaccination or of a negative COVID-19 test beginning Nov. 15, the team announced in a release, via Callie Caplan of the Dallas Morning News.

Fans seated within 15 feet of the courtside area will still have to follow the previous coronavirus requirements, the Mavs announced, and all fans will still need to be masked. But those outside of the courtside area will no longer need to follow the previous testing or vaccination guidelines for entry.

Masking requirements will continue to be enforced for those ages 2 and older, or for those not actively eating or drinking, as Caplan relayed.

The @dallasmavs have announced new health and safety guidelines for fans
at @AACenter. pic.twitter.com/Oe0vHWO4bx

— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) October 30, 2021

Dallas is scheduled to host the Nuggets on Nov. 15, when the new policy goes into effect.

“The revised health and safety measures are a result of the decline in average coronavirus case numbers and recent actions from local health officials,” Caplan wrote.

The Mavs added that special seating accommodations will be made inside American Airlines Center for fans with compromised immune systems or related conditions.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott lifted state mask mandates in March.

“Removing statewide mandates does not end personal responsibility,” Abbott said at the time. “It’s just that now state mandates are no longer needed.”

Mavs owner Mark Cuban said last month he would require all employees to be vaccinated.

“If you’re the dude or woman, whoever, that won’t get vaccinated for whatever reason, that’s up to you, but I’d rather feel good knowing that someone who’s immunocompromised or a cancer survivor is going to feel as safe as we can possibly make it coming to a game,” Cuban said on a Kyle Brandt podcast. “I’ll err on the side of caution for them.”