Working With Major Sports Leagues For A Safer Experience
One of the first major signs of a real level of crisis with the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States was when the National Basketball Association (NBA) decided that they would suspend the season on March 11th, 2020. It was an eye-popping moment that seemed to catch the entire country off guard, and it was one of the most obvious signs that COVID-19 was going to be a mountain of a problem to handle. That moment is now more than a year in the rearview mirror, and things have changed quite a bit both in the United States and beyond. The United States is much farther along in its battle with this virus, and virtually all major sports leagues have resumed competition including the NBA. There are still many restrictions and precautions being taken, but the leagues are finally starting to return to normalcy.
Where We Are Now
Millions of Americans have received the COVID-19 vaccine and infection rates are dropping dramatically. The number of COVID-19 deaths in the United States is also falling rapidly, and much of the public can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. The NBA and Major League Baseball (MLB) are both looking to find a solution to allow full capacity back in their stadiums to enjoy the competitions.
Partnership With CLEAR
Prior to COVID-19, the company called CLEAR was best known for helping to create the TSA fast pass system to allow pre-screen flyers to circumvent the annoying and lengthy security check lines at the airport. CLEAR worked with databases of information to determine which passengers were not considered a threat to get on an airplane. They were able to help some of these frequent flyers to bypass the lengthy lines and move on to their flight while maintaining a high level of security as well.
CLEAR is now working hand-in-hand with the NBA and MLB to create a system whereby they could scan information from a fan such as their driver’s license to determine their COVID-19 vaccine status. This would be known as a Health Pass. It would allow sports venues to open more safely in a shorter timeframe.
The company offers a free app that users can download to create a profile and provide information about their COVID-19 vaccine status. Those who have been vaccinated can quickly apply this information to their profile. Having that information in the CLEAR app makes it easier for officials at the sports arenas to allow certain people in who have been vaccinated.
Those Who Test Negative Can Join As Well
Members of the public who have yet to be vaccinated but who have tested negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours of the event that they wish to attend can also sign up for the CLEAR app and all of its benefits. Many arenas are happy to let in those who can prove that they have had a negative COVID-19 test within the last 48 hours. Obviously, the preference would be that the individual is fully vaccinated, but given some delays in vaccines in certain areas, it is easier for some to show a negative test result instead.
This app will simplify the process of screening fans and help us all get back to a more normal sports spectating experience more quickly. Fans of the MLB and NBA will surely appreciate having full stadiums of cheering fans rooting on their favorite teams as quickly as possible. This app helps keep everyone a bit safer and aids sports leagues in their quest to bring the fundamental nature of sports back to their normal place in society once again.
For the latest on the partnership between the MLB, NBA, and CLEAR please contact us for those details.
