ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Erie County officials joined representatives from Pegula Sports & Entertainment Tuesday afternoon to announce new health and safety protocols for Highmark Stadium and the KeyBank Center.
According to Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, all guests 12 years old and older will be required to provide proof of at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at any event. This new policy will go into effect for the Buffalo Bills game on Sept. 26 until Oct. 31. From that point on, only fans who are fully vaccinated will be allowed to attend an event at Highmark Stadium.
A test-out option will not be allowed.
Poloncarz says any guests under 12 years old will not be required to be vaccinated as a vaccine is not available yet for that age group; however, they will be required to wear masks.
Fully vaccinated guests 12 years old and older will not be required to wear a mask. It is still recommended for people to wear masks in indoor settings.
At the KeyBank Center, this policy will go into effect on Sept. 25 at the Eric Church concert. Any guests attending the concert will be required to show proof of at least one vaccine dose.
As of Oct. 31, guests attending an event at the KeyBank Center must be fully vaccinated.
Anyone going to the KeyBank Center or Highmark Stadium must provide either their physical vaccination card, the New York State Excelsior pass, a Clear Digital Vaccine Card or, for residents outside of New York, government digital vaccine proof. Photocopies of the vaccine card will not be accepted.
Poloncarz is reminding those who may be tempted to provide a fake vaccine card that doing so is a class D felony.
"Our department of health sanitarians will be spot checking individuals who present actual cards, and then confirming thereafter if they're actually in the system," Poloncarz said. "If they're not in the system that information will be provided to law enforcement. If you're thinking you're going to get around this by presenting a fake card - please don't try that."
Season ticket holders who choose not to get a COVID vaccine, or do not want to share their personal health information, can request a refund for the remaining prorated amount of their tickets. There will be no refunds for single-game ticket purchases. Single game tickets can be be transferred, resold or donated.
The deadline to request refunds for season tickets, is Friday, Sept. 17 at 8 p.m.
For more information on Bills' tickets, click here.
For hockey fans, the Buffalo Sabres say season ticket holders will receive an email that outlines guidelines to request a refund for tickets. Suites and club seat ticket members will receive a separate communication with guidelines pertaining to their account.
If you purchased half and quarter season tickets, you will also receive an email with guidelines on how to request refunds.
The deadline to request a refund for season ticket holders or suites for the Sabres 2021 season is Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 5 p.m.
For more information on Sabres' tickets, click here.