STOCKTON, Calif. – University of the Pacific Athletics has adjusted its home basketball game protocols related to COVID-19 after receiving new guidance.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has lowered the threshold for indoor mega-events to 500 attendees. Therefore, spectators ages two and up attending home women's basketball games will be required to prove that they are fully vaccinated or a negative COVID-19 test that meets the requirements below. Spectators attending men's basketball games have been following this procedure since the start of the season.

The tests must be conducted within one day for an antigen test or two days for a PCR test. Tests from outside providers must include the name, date, and result. Spectators ages 18 and above must also provide a valid photo ID.

As an additional precaution, in-arena food service, including concessions, will be closed during home games until further notice.

"We realize that food and beverage add to the fan experience, and so we look forward to re-opening concessions as soon as it is feasible," said director of athletics Janet Lucas. "However, the primary focus at this time is the safety of our student-athletes and spectators."

Fans must wear masks throughout the game regardless of vaccination status for indoor events, per the CDPH guidelines. Once the game begins, fans are free to move into unoccupied seats in the Spanos Center to take advantage of social distancing.

The university has arranged for Prplei, who coordinates the vaccine checks, to provide an on-site antigen testing option for spectators that arrive at the venue without a negative test that meets the requirement. Spectators can also bring an at-home test to the testing site outside Gate 1 and conduct the test under the observation of the vaccine checkpoint administrator. The cost for the on-site antigen test is $35 and will take 10 minutes to administer.