Clippings: Fans will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to attend games

The last time the Clippers allowed fans into Staples Center was on March 8, 2020. One year and 41 days later, fans will be welcomed back on April 18 when the Clippers host the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Pursuant with the health and safety guidelines of the L.A. County Department of Public Health, the Clippers have specific protocols for fans for the remaining six games.

All tickets are digital, no bags are allowed in the building, and fans will have to wear an approved face covering. They’ll also have to either show proof of vaccination with the last shot date at least two weeks prior to game day, or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the game. If the seats are within 30 feet of the court, fans will have to be fully vaccinated AND provide a negative test. These requirements will be applied to children three years and older.

Once inside Staples Center, there will be designated dining areas for guests within the same pod. Food and drink are not permitted in the seating sections. It’s unclear yet what the seating capacity will be, as the email only states that pods of tickets will separated by six feet. Tickets will only be sold in advance to CA residents, and for the game against the Lakers, tickets are non-transferrable.

Despite the restrictions, the Clippers organization is incredibly excited about having fans back in some capacity.

“I don’t want to underestimate it, but it’s a huge, huge deal,” president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said last Tuesday. “Our players always appreciated our fans and Clipper Nation, but I think even more so, going without fans has made our players, our entire group, just, we can’t wait.

“When you go to arenas where they do have fans, it’s such a noticeable difference in the energy. But we have such an unbelievable fan base, the best fans in the league, and our guys, there’s not a day that goes by, they don’t talk about the day, I think April 18 is the first day we’ll have fans in the building and just how much of a huge, huge homecourt advantage that will be for us.”

More news for Tuesday:

• Overtime Elite is a new professional league for 16-to-18 year-olds, and now they’ve recruited former UConn head coach Kevin Ollie to their operation.
• Marco Romo goes into what Terance Mann has improved upon in his second year.
• Ryan Snellings argues that the Clippers should retain this current starting lineup through the playoffs even when players return from injury.
• Paul George had quite the dunk over Isaiah Stewart on Sunday. Was it as good as Miles Bridges’ slam earlier that day?