The Prince George Cougars are preparing to welcome back fans this season amid the provinces unveiling a B.C. Vaccine Card system set to launch on Sept. 13.
Officials revealed on Aug. 23 that the province is introducing COVID-19 vaccine certificates for non-essential services amid surging cases of the Delta variant.
The B.C. Vaccine Card will need to be displayed for entering nightclubs, casinos, fitness centres, weddings, indoor conferences, liquor stores and choirs, among a host of other locations and events.
“We're actually quite relieved and quite happy to see some firm direction for us,” said Andy Beesley, Prince George Cougars' vice president of business.
“Overall, we know what the path is now so that's the most helpful and I think on behalf of our season ticket holders and our fan base, the vast majority of them really wanted to hear this news so that they know that they can come to games and feel safe.”
Beesley said there are still many details to be worked out but the Cougars are welcoming the announcement ahead of the upcoming season.
“One of the things we're going to be working on is a meeting with the CN Centre management because the rules that we're going to have to apply are going to be identical to concerts and events,” added Beesley.
“We're going to come up with a nice clean concise plan that kind of works for everybody and they can know what to expect when they come to a ticketed event at the CN Centre and it will be kind of the same whether it's a Prince George Cougars Game, or a concert etc.”
Beesley said the biggest challenge throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been the ongoing uncertainty and the B.C. vaccine card system now means the team has a path to follow.
“We do know with some certainty that we're going to be able to invite our fans back and that when they get inside the CN Centre there are going to be fully vaccinated people inside the building along with them. That will hopefully help relax people a little bit and make them feel a bit more confident. We know for a fact that our fans are really anxious to get back together again and that they're really missing these opportunities.”
Beesley said the Cougars are planning a full and robust season and that further measures may be implemented as the team continues to monitor the situation and listen to health experts and officials.
“We just want to commit to the community that we're going to be the first in line to support the health experts and to provide leadership in that area to make sure that when people come to Prince George Cougars game we are doing absolutely everything possible in our power to help, and not just deal with this pandemic, but actually help get through it and passed it, so we can look at this in a rear view mirror in the not-too-distant future.”
The Western Hockey League (WHL) itself has also announced its full support for the province’s proof of vaccination program.
All five B.C. based WHL Clubs will be requiring spectators to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccinaiton prior to entry for WHL games in Kamloops, Kelowna, Prince George, Vancouver and Victoria.
“The Western Hockey League and our five-member Clubs in British Columbia fully respect and appreciate the position taken by the Government of B.C.,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison in a press release.
“We are committed to implementing these new required measures in each of our five B.C. communities.”
-with files from Tyler Orton, Business in Vancouver
