Mavs to lift COVID-19 vaccine, testing requirement for fans — as long as Dallas County data complies

The Mavericks will soon lift their requirement that fans show either proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test within 48 hours to attend home games.

At least as long as Dallas County data complies.

As the daily average case count in Dallas County remains below 500, which it reached last week, the Mavericks will ease their health and safety protocol for fans, Mark Cuban told The Dallas Morning News.

If the metric again surpasses 500 — which it did when the Mavericks enacted their original vaccination and negative test rules in late September — then Cuban said the team will reinstate the requirements.

The change, however, won’t take effect by Dallas’ regular-season home opener Tuesday night against the Rockets.

Cuban said the Mavericks are still working to create sections — whether by ticket location or in suites — that would help decrease potential COVID-19 exposure to cancer patients or immunocompromised individuals who attend games. Masks will still be required for fans 2 and older when not actively eating or drinking, in accordance with the Dallas County order.

The Mavericks will make a formal announcement when their vaccination and testing requirements are lifted.

The franchise started the season with the strictest fan policies of the three NBA teams in Texas: The Rockets and Spurs did not require any documentation, nor did they mandate masks when not actively eating or drinking.

The Stars, who also play in American Airlines Center, require attendees to wear masks when entering the arena, but have not asked for health screening information in advance.

Guidelines around the league vary.

The NBA has allowed teams to set their own pandemic-related arena guidelines but will require all fans within 15 feet of the court to be vaccinated or register a negative test.