Oregon, Oregon State Become First To Require Vaccinations

Oregon and Oregon State became the first Power 5 schools to announce they will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for fans to attend games.

Oregon said the decision was made with public health authorities and "peer institutions in the state," the program said in its Friday statement. The negative test result must be from within three days of the event.

Fans under 12 are not subject to proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test but must be fully masked at all times within the stadium, except when actively eating or drinking. All guests ages 5 and over are required to wear face coverings in all areas of Autzen Stadium, per direction from Lane County Public Health, the statement reads.

The mandate goes into effect Monday and comes at the end of a week when state officials warned of rapidly filling hospitals as daily reported cases reached record numbers, the announcement states.

Oregon is one of several Pac-12 schools that is requiring students and employees to be vaccinated or apply for an exemption, ESPN reports.

The Oregon football team opens its season at 54,000-seat Autzen Stadium in Eugene on Sept. 4 against Fresno State. Oregon State begins its home schedule at Reser Stadium on Sept. 11 against Hawaii.