When the Saints play the Jacksonville Jaguars in a pre-season in New Orleans on August 23, Saints officials hope that masks will not be required for those attending in person. “As our community vaccination rate continues to improve over the summer, we fully expect and intend to begin the season without masks being required,” the Saints said in a statement released Saturday.  

Based on the city’s current policy, if the season started today, fans would be required to wear masks for the Saints to host an event with “full capacity.”

The Saints are among the top three teams in the NFL in player vaccination rate. Additionally 100% of the Saints’ coaching and football operations staff are fully vaccinated. “As we have stated in the past, we encourage everyone eligible in our community to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and their neighbors. It will further ensure our intentions of no requirement of a mask to attend games.”

The statement went on to say that the Saints “would not and will not” require proof of vaccination for fans attending the games. The Saints first regular season home game takes place September 12 against the Green Bay Packers. Other home games include an October 12 match-up against the New York Giants; October 31 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; November 7 against the Atlanta Falcons; November 25 against the Buffalo Bills; December 2 against the Dallas Cowboys; and December 27 against the Miami Dolphins.