LSU requiring fans at football games to be vaccinated or show negative test

Louisiana State University on Tuesday announced that it will require anyone age 12 and older to be vaccinated against coronavirus or to provide a negative COVID-19 test in order to attend a football game in Tiger Stadium.

LSU President William F. Tate IV said in a statement that the move comes as the university seeks to help curb the spread of the coronavirus in the state.

“As the flagship institution of the state of Louisiana, our foremost responsibility is to ensure the safety of our students, our supporters, and our community,” Tate said. “While we are aware of the diverse perspectives across the nation regarding masks and vaccinations, we must take all reasonable measures to protect our campus and community, not only on gamedays, but long after guests have left Tiger Stadium.”

According to the university, those attending football games will be asked to provide a hard copy vaccination card, verified digital proof of vaccination or a photocopy or photo of a vaccination card in order to prove their vaccination status.

Moving the needle: Louisiana has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country, at less than 50 percent of its total population. Tiger Stadium holds more than 100,000 people, so the requirement has the potential to make a real difference.