OKC Thunder Announces Health, Safety Protocols For Start Of 2021-2022 NBA Season

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced new health and safety protocols for the entering the games at the beginning of the 2021-2022 NBA season.

Beginning Oct. 4, fans entering the Paycom Center for Oklahoma City Thunder games will be required to provide proof of either full or partial COVID vaccination or a negative test taken within 72 hours prior to the game, the team announced on Tuesday. 

The Thunder also strongly recommends fans wear face masks while in the arena. The NBA is expected to impose additional guidelines for fans sitting courtside.

This will be the first time fans will be able to watch the Thunder play in Oklahoma City since the 2020 game against the Utah Jazz.

The game entry policy will remain in effect through at least the first 12 games of the preseason and the regular season at the Paycom Center (Oct. 4 to Nov. 26) and will also be in effect for the preseason game on Oct. 14 at the BOK Center in Tulsa.

The policy will be constantly reviewed based on the status of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma, the organization said.

“As we continue to face serious health challenges from COVID-19, we must remain committed to protecting the health and safety of our community," Thunder Chairman Clay Bennett said in a statement. “While there are no perfect answers, our health experts tell us the vaccine has proven to be effective in slowing the spread of this virus, including the Delta variant. We feel the best option to help keep our community safe is to make sure those who attend our games have a reduced chance of contracting or spreading the virus. We are in frequent consultation with our partners at OU Health, the NBA and other health experts and organizations to monitor the situation and we plan to evaluate the status of this policy for December and beyond.”

Fans will have several options to show proof of vaccination or test results as they enter Paycom Center. Options include uploading vaccination cards and test results to the Thunder Mobile App or a special website that will be available to allow fans to show documentation via their mobile phones.

Printed or digital photos of CDC vaccination cards or test results will also be accepted.

Click here for more information about the guest entry policy.