MSU vaccine requirement doesn't slow fans Wednesday at Breslin Center

EAST LANSING — Fans weren’t slowed down by the tents set up at entrances to the Breslin Center Wednesday, where staff checked vaccine cards and negative COVID-19 tests in accordance with a new university rule.

The matchup between MSU and Nebraska was the first major test of Michigan State University's new requirement that fans be vaccinated or test negative for COVID-19 in order to attend indoor sporting events.

MORE: MSU introduced new COVID-19 safety measures. Here's what to expect when visiting campus.

TIPOFF: Michigan State basketball vs. Nebraska: Matchup analysis and prediction

“We got here early because we figured it would take a while to check everything,” said MSU fan and alumna Darcy Sheppard.

But that wasn’t the case, as event staff quickly moved people through the lines.

To meet the vaccine requirement, spectators 12 and older were asked to show their COVID-19 vaccination card or a digital image along with a photo ID matching the name on the card, according to guidelines announced last Saturday.

Those without proof of vaccination were required to bring a photo ID and a printout or photo of their negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event start time.

Once inside, masks were still required for everyone in the building.

The new health and safety requirement comes as COVID-19 cases are surging across Michigan. On Wednesday, the state reported an average of more than 13,600 new cases per day over a two-day period, the highest since the beginning of the pandemic, while averaging more than 100 coronavirus-related deaths per day.

Many fans said they didn’t mind the extra requirements, viewing them as something that needed to be done to enjoy Michigan State basketball in person during the pandemic.

“Right now, that’s just what you have to do," said Katie Tucker, a nurse from the Jackson area. "It's just common sense. We thought the whole being tested might turn people off, but that’s just the way of the world now.”

The new requirements helped Grand Rapids resident Toni Moore feel safer coming to the game. Moore said she hadn’t been to a major indoor event or restaurant for nearly two years, so knowing there would be extra precautions in place made her more confident.

“I feel it’s necessary,” she said. “And the masks, also. I don’t feel comfortable even when I see people with their noses showing.”

Some fans felt the mask requirement on top of the vaccination rule was redundant.

“They’re trying to be safe and everything… I get it,” said Ryan Theisen, who graduated from MSU in 2020.

Theisen said he was recently in New York, where proof of vaccination allowed him to enter events without having to wear a mask. He would have liked to see something similar at Michigan State.

“The reason they have proof of vaccination is so that you didn’t have to wear the mask inside,” he said. “The fact that they’re doing both… you want to be over-protected, but it kind of defeats the purpose.”

Vaccination requirements are in effect for all on-campus athletic events including men’s and women’s basketball, hockey, wrestling and gymnastics. The requirements also extend to ticketed events at the Wharton Center, MSU Broad Art Museum, the Fairchild Theatre, Alumni Memorial Chapel, Cook Recital Hall, Murray Hall and Hollander Hall.

Michigan State isn't the only university taking precautions. When the men's basketball team faces the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor Saturday, spectators will be required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test at the Crisler Center, too.

More: Michigan Athletics sets COVID-19 vaccine, testing policy for indoor sporting events

Negative tests must have been administered within 72 hours of the event by a health professional. As with MSU's policy, those who are unwilling or unable to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test to attend the game will not be provided with a refund. Fans are encouraged to arrive earlier and should anticipate lines.

Tipoff for MSU vs. Michigan is at 2:30 p.m Saturday.

Contact reporter Elena Durnbaugh at (517) 231-9501 or edurnbaugh@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter at @ElenaDurnbaugh.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Michigan State vaccine requirement doesn't slow fans at Breslin Center