Golden 1 Center updated its COVID-19 rules: Here’s what to know about testing, more
Editor’s note: The following story was originally published Dec. 14, 2021. The Golden 1 Center has since changed its rules. An updated story can be found here.
The Golden 1 Center has yet again tightened its COVID-19 safety protocols for unvaccinated patrons.
Starting Wednesday, the day the center is set to host the Washington Wizards against the Sacramento Kings, unvaccinated people attending an event of more than 1,000 people will have to adhere to stricter testing requirements. Golden 1 Center is requiring a negative PCR test within two days or an antigen test within one day of entry.
In the past, unvaccinated event attendees needed to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within two days of the event. Before that, the center allowed negative tests taken within 72 hours.
This is a recent change, as of Dec. 13, that follows California’s reinstated statewide mask mandate.
Here’s what anyone headed to watch the Kings play (or going to attend other events at the venue) should know about the center’s COVID-19 rules, what kind of COVID-19 tests are permitted and how you can get a test at the nearby Downtown Commons shopping center:
Golden 1 Center COVID-19 protocols
Following the NBA and state health and safety guidelines, all fans ages 2 and up will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated or a negative COVID test. You’re fully vaccinated two weeks after the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines or two weeks after the first dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you are not vaccinated, you must supply a negative PCR COVID-19 test within two days of entry or a negative antigen test within one day. Fully vaccinated fans have the option to show their state-administered vaccine card, a picture of their card, or proof of vaccination through an app.
Unvaccinated fans have an option to show a printed document or an electronic test result on the attendee’s phone or mobile device of a PCR or rapid test.
Test results must be from a test provider or laboratory and show the patient’s name, type of test performed, date of the test and negative test result. Home tests are not permitted.
Permitted electronic test results types include:
Email
Text message
Mobile application record
Permitted forms of proof of vaccination include:
State issued vaccination card
Picture of vaccination card
Mobile application record
Negative COVID-19 tests and proof of vaccination will be compared with the attendees’ I.D.
How to get a COVID-19 test before the event
Golden 1 Center ticket holders can utilize the nearby pop-up testing site at DOCO Plaza in suite 165 and Omni IV in suite 260 with results delivered within 15-20 minutes for $39 for a rapid antigen test. Fans can visit the Sacramento Kings website for appointment information.
Walk-ins are permitted on event days, but fans should plan to arrive early as lines and wait times can be long. You can also explore other Sacramento County Public Health COVID-19 testing sites before game day.
Mask policy at Golden 1
All guests ages 2 and up are required to wear a mask at all times within the arena except when actively eating or drinking at your seat in a designated eating area. Approved face coverings include:
KN95 masks
N95 masks
Cloth masks
Surgical masks
Unapproved face coverings include:
Bandanas
Gaiters
Masks with ventilators
Guidelines may differ for particular concerts and events. Visit the Golden 1 Center’s website for specific protocols.
This story was originally published December 14, 2021 at 1:48 PM with the headline "Golden 1 Center updated its COVID-19 rules: Here’s what to know about testing, more."