MSE No Longer Requiring Proof Of Vaccination For Capitals Games; Mask Update

With the Omicron variant now longer rapidly spreading across the globe and D.C. relaxing its COVID-19 protocols, Monumental Sports & Entertainment will no longer require proof of vaccination to attend Washington Capitals games and other events at Capital One Arena. This goes into effect on Tuesday.

Also, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also relaxed the mask mandates. And starting March 1, fans will no longer be required to wear masks at games.

The Capitals have been playing in front of a full-capacity crowd since the start of the 2021-22 season. Washington hasn’t been immune to COVID-19, which has impacted nearly every player, most recently captain Alex Ovechkin. The team has seen a number of COVID-19 cases throughout the lineup over the course of the season. The Capitals’ roster is 100 percent vaxxed.

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On Jan. 15, amid a rapid spike in COVID-19 cases, Bowser tightened restrictions throughout the area. MSE also required proof of vaccination status and masks to attend games at Capital One. That was effective through Jan. 31.

This change also came at the same time that the NHL opted out of the Olympics amid the rising COVID-19 concerns, and the league also paused due to breakouts nationwide. Now, cases appear to be on the decline, giving the D.C. area the flexibility to make changes. The NHL has also relaxed its protocols, and no longer requires daily testing unless needed.