No fans attended SoFi Stadium for Rams and Chargers games last season. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

How Los Angeles mask mandate affects Rams, Chargers

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 8/17/21

Officials in Los Angeles announced on Tuesday that a mask mandate will go into effect later in the week, affecting those attending sporting events throughout the Southern California region.

According to CBS Los Angeles, all outdoor and indoor “mega events” will now require attendees to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status. The definition of a “mega event” is 5,000 for indoor and 10,000 for outdoor events.

This is the latest attempt by the city of Los Angeles to curb the increase of COVID-19 cases within the metropolitan area. It’s obviously going to affect the NFL’s Rams and Chargers once the NFL regular season gets going in less than a month.

Unlike the Las Vegas Raiders allowing only vaccinated individuals to attend games this season, these two California teams will allow those not vaccinated from the virus to enjoy football during the fall and winter. Interestingly enough, the Raiders’ announcement came with a caveat that indicated masks are not required for games.

The Rams open their regular-season home slate at SoFi Stadium Sept. 12 against the Chicago Bears. The game will be broadcast on NBC on Sunday night. It’s also the first regular-season game in the new venue to host fans after the stadium was empty last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Chargers will open up their regular-season home slate against the Dallas Cowboys the following week. The expectation is that every game played at SoFi will be sold out this season.

There’s also an obvious impact when it comes to MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels as that sport continues its regular season and prepares for the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the NBA just recently released the early portion of its schedule. It remains to be seen how the mask mandate will affect the Lakers and Clippers once the Association gets going in October.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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