Athletic and sporting events are returning to full spectator capacity and looking to do so safely by encouraging fans to get vaccinated for COVID-19. The UAB Department of Athletics and the Jefferson County Department of Health announce a partnership to promote COVID-19 vaccines throughout the course of the 2021-22 athletic seasons.
“UAB Athletics is committed to playing its part to ‘Kick COVID-19,’ which includes helping improve our community’s COVID-19 vaccination rate,” said UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram. “We are extremely grateful for the partnership with the Jefferson County Department of Health to encourage the vaccine while competing and accommodating fans in a safe manner this upcoming year.”
The ‘Kick COVID’ partnership features signage encouraging the COVID-19 vaccine displayed at multiple UAB athletic facilities, including Protective Stadium and Bartow Arena. The Jefferson County Department of Health will also serve as the presenting sponsor of Blazer Village during the 2021 football season.
In addition, the Jefferson County Department of Health is offering free COVID-19 vaccines prior to UAB Football’s matchup against the Liberty Flames at Protective Stadium’s grand opening Oct. 2. A mobile vaccine station will be set up adjacent to Blazer Village beginning at 2 p.m. and closing at 5:30 p.m., prior to the 6 p.m. kickoff. The Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available at the walk-up clinic at no cost to everyone, regardless of whether they are attending the game.
Those who receive the vaccine on Oct. 2 will receive two complimentary tickets to a future 2021 UAB Football home game of their choice. Additional vaccination opportunities at future UAB Athletics events will also be available and announced soon.
“Please consider getting vaccinated to protect yourself and your loved ones,” said Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson. “Vaccines are the most effective tool we have to returning to normalcy while keeping our community as safe as possible. COVID-19 vaccines have been proved to be highly effective at preventing people from COVID-19 infection, particularly serious illness leading to hospitalization.”
UAB requires wearing a mask indoors — regardless of vaccine status — unless actively eating or drinking and encourages masks during outdoor events, alongside regular handwashing.
UAB Football season and single game tickets are available here or by calling the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at 205-975-UAB1. Guarantee your place in history by purchasing your tickets for the upcoming 2021 season now.