While the Raiders will be allowed to have fans for their home opener, those fans will need to follow new public health orders coming in on Oct. 1. (File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Rob Mahon

Raiders Vaccine Logistics

Raiders lay out rules for vaccinations ahead of opening night

Sep 28, 2021 | 1:00 PM

Fan excitement will be high when the Prince Albert Raiders host the Regina Pats for their home opener this Friday.

That excitement isn’t the only reason fans will want to arrive early, however.

When fans file into the Art Hauser Centre for the first regular season game there in 574 days, they’ll need to show proof of either vaccination or a negative COVID test before being allowed through the doors. This is all part of the province’s new rules that take effect on Oct. 1.

“It’s a bit of a moving target with the QR codes being redistributed,” said Raiders’ business manager Michael Scissons. “The government thinks they’ll be ready for Oct. 1 and we’ll continue to hope that that is prepared. When you get to the game on the first (Oct. 1) and every game moving forward, you’ll be checked before you get too far into the door by a security guard.”

That guard will check for your proof of full vaccination (whether QR code or paper copy) or for a negative COVID test from the past 72 hours, as well as a piece of ID confirming you are in fact the rightful holder of that test or proof of vaccination. There will be rapid testing available on-site for a fee.

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“We’re hoping things go as smoothly as possible,” Scissons said. “The first go at it, there might be a couple of hiccups. We appreciate people’s patience as we get through it.”

From there, people will be allowed to scan their tickets or buy tickets as they normally would. There will be additional security at the game to help with the extra step in identifying people, though Scissons did say people might be better served arriving a bit earlier than usual.

“We’re going to open the doors to the rink at 5:30,” Scissons said. “You won’t be able to get into the ice/seat part but you will be able to get into the lobby, you’ll be able to get up into the Ches Leach lounge. Hopefully it will alleviate some of that pressure a little bit.”

While Scissons said they’ve had a few complaints about the policy, most people understand the directive comes from the province rather than the Raiders themselves. And the Raiders themselves know this is part of the price they pay to have hockey this year.

“If we want to see Raider hockey played at the Art Hauser Centre, these are the things we have to do in order to accomplish that,” he said. “Right now, I’m willing to put on a mask, show my card, crab walk into the building, everything I have to do in order to have the Raiders hit the ice on Friday night.”

Masks will still be mandatory at the game as per Saskatchewan’s public health orders.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP