Columbia Now Requiring Proof Of Vax For Fans And Gym-Goers

Upper West Side NY

13 September, 2021

12:54 PM

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Columbia Daily Spectator BY CLARA ENCE MORSE SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 For everyone from die-hard football fans to volleyball aficionados to Dodge lifters and treadmill runners, proof of vaccination is required at the gym. Columbia Athletics announced new restrictions for fans at indoor and outdoor games, as well as for patrons at Dodge Gym. The stricter vaccination requirements—a green pass will no longer be sufficient for entry—put Columbia into compliance with New York City Executive Order 225, the "Key to NYC" order, which goes into effect Sept. 13. Fans will be permitted to return to the bleachers of the Robert K. Kraft football field, the stands of Levien Gymnasium, and the other home fields of fall sports, Columbia Athletics announced on Sept. 9. Outdoor events, which include football, soccer, field hockey, and tennis events, will be open to non-Columbia affiliates and have no capacity restrictions. However, fans over the age of 12 must show official proof of vaccination, such as a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccination card. In addition, fans over five must wear masks. Changes to entry protocols for outdoor sports have also been implemented. Fans heading to games at the Baker Athletic Complex will not be able to use the main gate. Instead, they must enter at a smaller gate to the west, the 1905 Gate on 218th Street and Park Terrace West. For indoor sports, such as volleyball, requirements will be even more strict. Fans will be required to wear masks, and neck gaiters, buffs, or masks with valves will not fulfill masking requirements. To get in the door, which will be at 120th Street and Broadway, fans must either be on the student-athlete pass list or the guest list. If you are a "Columbia fan [and] fully vaccinated," you can reach out to assistant volleyball coach Julia Anderson at [email protected] to secure a spot on the guest list. Columbia cited "University COVID protocols and … NYC Executive Order 225" for its stricter protocols for volleyball attendance. The executive order, which went into effect on Aug. 17 and will be enforced starting on Sept. 13, requires "covered premises," including bars, gyms, and indoor sports arenas to check patrons' vaccination status and IDs before allowing them entry. The executive order also applies to Dodge Gym, which is why Dodge's weights, track, and pool will now only be open to those with documentation of at least one shot. Those without proof of vaccination, however, may still be able to take advantage of outside options in "Wellbeing, Intramurals, Group Fitness, Personal Training, and Club Sports," according to an email sent by Columbia on Friday, Sept. 10. Columbia will accept a CDC vaccination card (or photo of it), other official government vaccination records, the NYC COVID Safe App, and the Excelsior Pass as valid proof of vaccination. Sports Editor Clara Ence Morse can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @ccemorse. Founded in 1877, the Columbia Daily Spectator is the independent undergraduate newspaper of Columbia University, serving thousands of readers in Morningside Heights, West Harlem, and beyond. Read more at columbiaspectator.com and donate here.