Beginning on January 1, 2022 and until further notice, all attendees of university-sponsored events open to the public with more than 200 people in attendance will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or COVID-19 vaccination record to enter the facility or event space.
Proof of Vaccination Status or Negative COVID-19 Test Result
- For all attendees 12 and older, printed or digital proof must be presented showing full vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event start time. At-home COVID-19 test results will not be accepted.
- University of Illinois students, staff, and faculty can use the Illinois App (Apple | Google Play) Boarding Pass showing access “Granted” status in order to enter. (Faculty, staff and students should be aware that due to the recently announced testing requirements after the break, their status will show “Access Denied,” after Jan. 2 until they receive a negative on-campus test result, even if they are fully vaccinated. For the January 6 men’s basketball game, this means they need to test on January 3, 4 or 5. In this case, student, staff, and faculty will need to show their vaccine card or a negative test instead.)
- Attendees age 12 and over who are not university students or employees but who are fully vaccinated should bring either their actual vaccination card, a photocopy of the card, or a picture of the card. (Photographs displayed on mobile devices such as cell phones are acceptable). Guests should be prepared to show a photo ID along with their vaccination card upon request.
- Each attendee’s name and the dates of first and second dose (or first dose, if Johnson & Johnson) should be clearly visible.
- Full vaccination requires that the event must be at least 14 days after the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or at least 14 days after a single-dose vaccine.
- State Farm Center will accept the Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson vaccine or other COVID-19 vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Attendees age 12 and over who are not university students or employees and cannot provide proof of vaccination should bring a photo ID and either a printout or photo of their negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before the event start time.
- The attendee’s name and the date the test was administered, date the test was processed, type of test, and result of the test should be visible. Name on the test result must match the name on the photo ID.
- People ages 17 and under accompanied by an adult will not be required to show a photo ID.
Guests should arrive early to allow for verification to take place prior to the start of the event. Screening is available from 90 minutes before the event start time. Proof of vaccination or recent negative test must be provided each separate event day. Note that after the start of an event, some entrances may be closed and attendees will be required to enter through gates that still are processing COVID screenings.
No testing opportunities will be available for event attendees on site. Prior to arrival guests should have their negative COVID-19 results completed and in hand.
Testing information can be found at https://www.c-uphd.org/covid-testing.html. or https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/testing.html.
If proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test cannot be presented and verified, attendees will not be allowed to enter State Farm Center.
All State Farm Center employees working events are required to follow the same protocols as attendees.
Mask Requirement
Masks are required in indoor university spaces such as State Farm Center. Face coverings must be worn throughout any event and in ALL parts of the venue, including restrooms, concourses, and seating areas. Face coverings should only be removed when actively eating or drinking and then be immediately returned.
Additional Resources
For information about COVID-19 resources in Champaign County, please visit the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District.
Questions
If you have questions about the policy, please contact covid-19@illinois.edu.
Thank you for your support of State Farm Center and Illini Athletics! We appreciate your cooperation as we work to make gathering as safe as possible during these unprecedented times.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who needs a proof of vaccination or negative test?
Patrons ages 12 and older will need to show proof of vaccination or negative test within 72 hours of the game date.
When does this policy go into effect for Athletics events?
The first Illinois sporting event the policy takes effect for is the Jan. 6 men’s basketball game against Maryland. It will impact all Illinois indoor sporting events at State Farm Center, Huff Hall, the Armory and Atkins Tennis Center.
What if I have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days and won’t be able to show a negative test?
People who are unvaccinated and have recently tested positive (but have been released from isolation) are told not to test for 90 days, because they may continue to test positive. In these cases, we plan to accept a public health release letter dated within 90 days of the event in place of a recent negative test.
Will event staff be matching my ID to my vaccination card?
Attendees 18 and older should be prepared to show a picture ID to verify ownership of the vaccination card or negative test.
How will you help mitigate long lines outside State Farm Center?
To mitigate longer lines due the additional processes beginning Jan. 6, State Farm Center will now open 90 minutes prior to game time (previously 60 minutes prior to tip). Additionally, all entrances to State Farm Center will be opened. The East entrance remains open only to premium seating guests, and the Northeast entrance remains open only for media and credentialed attendees. The DIA recommends fans arrive early to the State Farm Center.
What identification will children 12-17 show to match with a vaccination card or negative test?
If children between the ages of 12-17 do not have a photo ID, a parent, guardian or adult companion will be required to verify their identity.
What if I lost my vaccination card?
It is recommended that you contact your doctor, clinic or pharmacy or location where you were immunized. You may also check the Vax Verify portal operated by the Illinois Department of Public Health. If you have a photo of your vaccination card, that will also be accepted. You may also receive a negative COVID-19 and use that as entry if you cannot find your vaccination card.
Can I show my Illinois App, my Safer Community App or the Boarding Pass to gain entrance?
An “Access Granted” status in the Illinois app or Boarding Pass will also be accepted to enter these events. Faculty, staff and students should be aware that due to the recently announced testing requirements after the break, their status will show “Access Denied,” after Jan. 2 until they receive a negative on-campus test result, even if they are fully vaccinated. For the January 6 men’s basketball game, this means they need to test on January 3, 4 or 5.
Will I be able to receive a refund for tickets if I am not fully vaccinated or chose not to reveal my vaccination status?
No refunds will be granted for Illinois basketball games in this situation as you are permitted to enter the building by showing a negative COVID test even if you are not able or willing to show vaccination status.
I have tickets to the game, but now will not attend because I am not willing or able to present a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination. What are my options?
You are encouraged to transfer your game tickets to others that may be able to attend or offer tickets for sale through Stubhub. No refunds will be offered for tickets for games that are played.
I recently tested positive for COVID and am not able to attend. What are my options?
Anyone who receives a positive result on their COVID-19 test should stay home until cleared by their local public health department, and we encourage you to transfer your tickets to someone who meets the proof of vaccination or negative test requirement. If you have been cleared by your local health department and have received a release letter dated within the last 90 days, you will be allowed entry using that documentation.
I purchased tickets under the guidance that no negative testing or vaccination status would be needed. Now that that policy has changed, I am not interested in attending and deserve a refund.
All tickets purchased require compliance with several State Farm Center policies. These policies are always subject to change. While we understand that some ticket holders may not be vaccinated, since we offer proof of a negative test as an option for entry, we are not barring any guest the opportunity to attend events. In addition, any ticket holder may transfer tickets to others who may wish to attend or may resell them through Stubhub or the secondary market vendors.
What does full vaccination mean?
As advised by the CDC, full vaccination means at least 14 days after your second dose of the Pfizer-BioNtech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (or other COVID-19 vaccinations recognized by WHO) or at least 14 days after your single dose of the Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC does not require the booster to be considered fully vaccinated.
How long is this policy in effect?
The changes remain in effect until further notice.
If I have tickets to a State Farm Center entertainment event and have questions, who should I contact?
Please contact the State Farm Center directly using the form on the “Contact Us” page found here: https://www.statefarmcenter.com/connect-with-us/contact-us
