WSU Athletics Announces Procedures for Vaccine Verification at Gesa Field
PULLMAN, Wash. (Oct. 6, 2021) –Washington State Athletics, in alignment with our football partners in the State of Washington, the Seattle Seahawks and the Washington Huskies, will begin implementation of the new gameday vaccination verification procedures at Gesa Field starting with WSU's home football game against Oregon State on Oct. 9.
All guests 12 years of age and older attending Cougar Football games will need to be verified by providing proof of vaccination or proof of a FDA-approved negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of the event. Fans under 12 years of age are exempt from providing proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
Guests planning to attend the game should note that there are no on-site testing capabilities at Gesa Field and it is highly recommended that negative COVID-19 testing be completed before arriving in Pullman.
On gameday, fans can be verified before the game by showing proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test at various kiosk locations outside of Gesa Field. Gameday verification will be available at the Compton Union Building (CUB), Beasley Coliseum, Cougville and the four guest service kiosks positioned at the perimeter of the stadium beginning three hours prior to kickoff. These stations will close at kickoff. At that time, all verifications will be done at the gate.
Guests who do not get verified before heading into the stadium will be screened at the gates. However, all guests are highly encouraged to get verified with a stamp before approaching the stadium gates. There will be express lanes for those that have been verified at Gates, A, B, F, I and the Premium Seating Entrance.
Earlier this month, Cougar Athletics mandated masks for all fans in attendance at Gesa Field, regardless of vaccination status. This included both indoor and outdoor seating at all times, unless actively eating or drinking. That mandate remains in effect going forward.
Fans should review the FAQ's below or HERE for any additional questions regarding home Cougar Football games at Gesa Field.
WSU Athletics Vaccine Verification Plan for Football Games at Gesa Field
KEY INFORMATION
- All guests 12 years of age and older attending Cougar Football games will need to be verified by providing proof of vaccination or proof of a FDA-approved negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of the event.
- Guests under 12 years of age are exempt from providing proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
- Guests can get verified before the game by showing proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, taken within three days of the event, at various kiosk locations outside of Gesa Field.
- Gameday verification will be available at the Compton Union Building (CUB), Beasley Coliseum, Cougville and the four guest service kiosks positioned at the perimeter of the stadium beginning three hours prior to kickoff. These stations will close at kickoff. At that time, all verifications will be done at the gate.
- Guests who do not get verified before heading into the stadium will be screened at the gates. However, all guests are highly encouraged to get verified with a stamp before approaching the stadium gates. There will be express lanes for those that have been verified at Gates, A, B, F, I and the Premium Seating Entrance.
Gesa Field Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the approved documents to prove vaccination status?
- CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Card or photo of the card
- Documentation of vaccination from a health care provider or electronic health record
- State immunization information system record
- If vaccinated outside of the U.S., a reasonable equivalent of any of the above will suffice
Q: What kind of test do guests need to provide to prove they have tested negative for COVID-19?
A: Guests will need to provide a copy of a COVID-19 negative PCR or antigen test that is FDA approved and taken within three days of the start of the event. At-home tests will not be accepted. Guests planning to attend the game should note that there are no on-site testing capabilities at Gesa Field and it is highly recommended that negative COVID-19 testing be completed before arriving in Pullman.
Q: How do I get verified to enter Gesa Field?
A: All guests are encouraged to get verified at the Compton Union Building (CUB), Beasley Coliseum, Cougville and at the guest service kiosks beginning three hours prior to kickoff before entering the stadium gate lines. Please ensure you have your proof of vaccination status or negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of the event on your person.
- Guests who do not get verified before heading into the stadium gates will be screened at the gates. However, all guests are highly encouraged to get verified with a stamp before approaching the stadium gates. There will be express lanes for those that have been verified at Gates, A, B, F, I and the Premium Seating Entrance.
Q: What do WSU students need to do to get access to the venue?
A: WSU students with a sports pass who are compliant with WSU's vaccination requirement will be able to access Gesa Field with their CougarCard. Students without a sports pass will need to get verified prior to entering Gesa Field.
Q: If a guest has already tested positive for COVID-19, do they need to provide vaccine verification, or a negative COVID-19 test?
A: Yes, guests that have already had COVID-19 still need to provide either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of the start of the event.
Q: Do I have to be fully vaccinated?
A: Yes. Fans must be fully vaccinated to attend games at Gesa Field. Fully vaccinated is defined as a minimum of two weeks following the second dose of their vaccine regimen.
Q: Can I still attend Cougar Football games if I'm partially vaccinated?
A: Fans who are not yet vaccinated, have only received one dose of a two-dose vaccine series (e.g., Pfizer or Moderna), or are not yet beyond the two-week minimum fully vaccinated window, must still provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of the game for entry.
Q: Do I need to bring my actual vaccine card?
A: In addition to your official CDC-issued (or foreign country equivalent) vaccination card, a photo or digital version of your official CDC-issued (or foreign country equivalent) vaccination card with your name and dates of doses, including the date the last dose was administered printed on the card, will also be accepted. If you cannot find your card and were vaccinated in Washington state, you can find instructions for downloading it on the Washington Department of Health website.
Q: What if I cannot be vaccinated for medical/religious reasons or have children who are not yet eligible?
A: Individuals age 12 and older without vaccination records must display a negative COVID-19 test result taken within three days prior to the event to be granted entry into the stadium. This applies to unvaccinated fans with approved medical or religious exemptions. Children under the age of 12 do not require a negative test for entry.
Q: What is the mask policy at Gesa Field?
A: In accordance with the current Washington state and WSU Pullman mask mandates, fans and staff, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear masks at all times within Gesa Field, except while actively eating or drinking. This includes both indoor and outdoor areas of the stadium. Masks must be worn at all times while walking throughout the stadium.
Q: Where can I get vaccinated?
A: Fans can find locations to receive the COVID-19 vaccine by visiting the vaccine locator tool on the Washington State Department of Health website.
Q: Where can I get a COVID-19 test?
A: Visit the Washington State Department of Health website for a full list of COVID-19 testing locations across the state.
Q: Will international proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test be accepted?
A: Yes, international proof of being fully vaccinated or providing a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of the event will be sufficient.
For additional questions regarding tickets, please click here.