Large Event Promoters Question Hypocrisy of Indoor Vax Proof Mandate

Monday, November 15th, WA state's (Gov. Inslee's) mandate for vax proof at indoor events of 1,000 persons or more went into effect. It also affects outdoor events of 10K or more. Those who are not vaccinated can show proof of negative COVID test within a 72-hour window.

LARGE EVENT PROMOTERS ARE CRYING FOUL OVER MANDATE 

However, this mandate, as spelled out specifically in the language, does NOT apply to K-12 schools public or private, or religious organizations.

We spoke with a couple of area promoters-operators who oversee large indoor sporting events, concerts, and other activities, and they're questioning why the mandate is written as such.

Keep in mind, every one of them told us they did NOT say they want school events to face vax proof but they question the logic.

APPARENTLY COVID ONLY "STRIKES" AT CERTAIN KINDS OF EVENTS?

This weekend, November 19th and 20th the Yakima Sun Dome will be the site of the WIAA state volleyball championships for 2A, 3A, and 4A schools. Walla Walla will be competing in the 3A and the Kamiakin High team in 4A.

The Dome holds 6,195 persons for basketball, for this kind of multi-court event where multiple games will be held simultaneously, probably seating for at least 3 to 4 thousand. There will be a lot of players, families, friends, and fans coming and going, it's quite likely there will be well over 1,000 spectators at any time in the building.

  AREA PROMOTERS-"IF COVID IS "THAT BAD" WHY NOT REQUIRE VAX PROOF AT ALL INDOOR EVENTS?"

There will not be vax proof checking at the Sun Dome, per the mandate and information given to us by these local event promoters.

Those who promote non-school events in our region question the hypocrisy of mandating vax proof (or a negative COVID test within 72 hours) at concerts and sporting events, but the WIAA is allowed to stage District and State Championship events with at least a few thousand fans indoors without the same requirements.

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For example, the Toyota Center will be checking vax or test proof when the Tri-City Americans return to action at home on Nov. 26th (they're playing until then on the road).

These promoters are frustrated by the two-faced (again) mandates handed down by the state, namely, the Department of Health and Inslee.

We're not pushing for more restrictions either. But when you think about it, it makes sense.  Apparently, in the eyes of the state, COVID only strikes at certain kinds of events but not others.