COVID-19 Policies FAQ

Beginning Monday, January 10, 2022, in accordance with Evanston Health and Human Services Department’s mitigation, a vaccine requirement is in effect for all Northwestern Athletics indoor sporting events. The measure remains in effect until further notice.

Frequently Asked Questions 

 

Who needs proof of vaccination or a negative test? 

Patrons ages five and older (and working personnel) will need to show proof of vaccination or

negative test within 24 hours of all indoor athletic events. Children ages four and under do not need to show proof of vaccination or negative test and only need to follow the mask mandate that applies to children two and over. 

 

When does this policy go into effect or athletics events? 

This policy goes into effect on January 10, 2022. 

 

What if I have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days and won't be able to show a negative test? 

People who have recently tested positive (but have been released from isolation) may present their public health release letter dated within 90 days of the event in place of a recent negative test. 

 

Will event staff be matching my ID to my vaccination card? 

Attendees 16 and older should be prepared to show a picture ID to verify ownership of the vaccination card or negative test. If children between the ages of 12-16 do not have a photo ID, a parent, guardian, or adult companion may be required to verify their identity. 

 

How will you help mitigate long lines outside Athletics venues? 

Fans should be prepared to arrive earlier and anticipate long lines. Additional staff will be hired to assist with these new processes.  Please exercise patience. 

 

What if I lost my vaccination card? 

It is recommended that you contact your doctor, clinic, pharmacy, or location where you were immunized. If you have a photo of your vaccination card, that will also be accepted. If you cannot find your vaccination card, you may also receive a negative COVID-19 test and use that for entry. 

 

Will I receive a refund for tickets if I am not vaccinated or choose not to reveal my vaccination status? 

No refunds will be granted. All guests are permitted to enter the building by showing a

negative COVID test even if unable or unwilling to show vaccination status. 

 

I have tickets to the game but now will not attend because I am not willing or able to present a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination. What are my options? 

You are encouraged to transfer your game tickets to others who may attend or offer

tickets for sale through Stubhub. However, no refunds will be provided for tickets for games played. 

 

I recently tested positive for COVID and am not able to attend. What are my options? 

Anyone who receives a positive result on their COVID-19 test should stay home until cleared by their local public health department, and we encourage you to transfer your tickets to someone who meets the proof of vaccination or negative test requirement. If you have been cleared by your local health department and have received a release letter dated within the last 90 days, you will be allowed entry using that documentation. 

 

I purchased tickets under the guidance that no negative testing or vaccination status would be needed. Now that that policy has changed, I am not interested in attending. Can I get a refund? 

All tickets purchased require compliance with Northwestern Athletics’ policies. These policies are always subject to change. While some ticket holders may not be vaccinated, we are not barring any guests from attending events. Additionally, any ticket holder may transfer tickets to others who wish to attend or resell them through Stubhub

 

What does vaccination mean? 

 

Northwestern Athletics' current vaccination requirement is at least 14 days after your second dose of the Pfizer-BioNtech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (or other COVID-19 vaccinations recognized by WHO) or at least 14 days after your single dose of the Johnson & Johnson's

COVID-19 vaccine. This definition will continue to be updated under the NU vaccination policy. 

 

With a required vaccine or negative test, is it still required to wear a mask inside Northwestern Athletic events? 

Per the City of Evanston ordinance, face masks continue to be required and must be worn during all home indoor sporting events. Failure to comply may result in being asked to leave the event. NU Fan COVID-19 Policies.

 

I have a vaccine waiver from Northwestern University. Does this policy apply to me? 

All guests ages five and older will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid test taken within 24 hours of the event 

 

Will concession stands be open at games? If so, will there be restrictions on where guests can consume food and beverage items? 

Concession stands will remain open at this time, and guests will be allowed to consume food and beverage in their seats and other designated areas with the expectation that face masks will continue to be required and must be worn unless immediately eating or drinking. NU officials will continue to monitor the spread of the delta and omicron variants and adapt health and safety strategies accordingly. 

 

How long is this policy in effect? 

The changes remain in effect until further notice. Future changes will be communicated as

they become known.