Ohio sports venue retracts COVID test, vaccine policy

CINCINNATI — Xavier University announced Tuesday morning that it will no longer require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for admission to Cintas Center, the school’s on-campus sports facility and event space.

Guests will still needed to wear a mask when they’re not actively eating or drinking, per the school’s revised COVID-19 policy.

The Cintas Center plays host to the school’s men’s and women’s basketball teams as well as its volleyball team. It’s unclear if the policy will also impact non-athletic events.

The university attributed the decision to “the decline of COVID cases on Xavier University’s campus and in Hamilton County.”

Xavier University’s update to guests states that their staff will continue to “monitor the COVID environment” and make adjustments as needed.

As of their last reported data on Tuesday, Jan. 25, Xavier had 33 total active student cases of COVID-19 with a seven-day average among students of 83. For university employees, there were eight active cases and an average of 14 weekly cases. There were 33 combined students in isolation at that time.

The Cintas Center has a seating capacity of just over 10,000 fans.

The Cintas Center was the first major sports venue in Ohio to implement the temporary policy. Other colleges in other states, including Big Ten schools Michigan State and Rutgers, have the same policy. 

This story will be updated.