The Chatham Maroons have laid out preparations to help keep their fans, players, and staff safe this coming hockey season.
The team announced on Friday evening its requirements for fans attending Maroons games at Memorial Arena, effective Saturday. A mandatory COVID-19 vaccination or rapid test policy will take effect. Anyone attending or working a game at Memorial Arena will need to be fully vaccinated and prove it by showing a vaccine receipt and photo ID.
If you are not fully vaccinated, you must take a rapid COVID-19 test before entering Memorial Arena. Proof of a negative result must be presented within 12 hours of the test. The rapid test is a stopgap measure until the provincial vaccine "passport" takes effect on September 22.
Visitors must wear a face covering at all times, except when eating, drinking, or engaging in physical activity. Fans are asked to physically distance themselves and remain in their seats as much as possible to reduce gathering.
The Maroons play their first home preseason game on Sunday against the LaSalle Vipers, with an admission fee of $5. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. with a 3:30 p.m. faceoff. Capacity is limited to 350 people in the order of arrival at the arena.
Chatham's exhibition season continues Wednesday evening at LaSalle, then back at Memorial Arena on September 19 against the Leamington Flyers.
The regular season begins Saturday, September 25, on the road against the Komoka Kings, with the home opener on Sunday, September 26, against the St. Marys Lincolns.