We're Going Back!

I hae been posting images to social media this past week in an effort to get people to buy into the Canada West TV package while it was still discounted. That time, unfortunately, has now passed us, so you're paying full price to watch your favourite Canada West team this year via the Yare TV feed. Honestly, the discount was only $5 if you planned on watching the Bisons men's or women's hockey team and no other sports, so hopefully that won't dent the wallet too much if you buy in to watch road games.

Notice that I specified road games in that last sentence? That's because the Manitoba Bisons have clearance to welcome fans back to Wayne Fleming Arena for the 2021-22 hockey season! We're going to back the rink for live hockey action this season assuming that we all follow the rules!

Let me restate that last point again. ASSUMING WE ALL FOLLOW THE RULES, we'll be back at the rink to watch the Bisons compete for the Canada West banner in both men's and women's hockey once more. I cannot stress the above enough in that following the rules will allow for this to happen for each and every person who wishes to see the games in person, and those who decide not to follow the rules set forth by both the University of Manitoba and the Province of Manitoba will not be granted entrance to watch hockey. No exceptions will be made.

What are the rules, you ask? See below.

There are five things one will have to ensure that one has done, has in their possession, or can do when arriving in order to see games. Let's run these down in order because these will be the standard safety measures put in place for every game when attending regardless of whether you're there to cheer for the Bisons or their opponents. Again, no exceptions will be made on these five things.

1. Make sure you have your mobile tickets. Tickets will only be issued in mobile form this season, so that means you need a phone, tablet, watch, or some other device where you can display your ticket. No ticket, no entry.
2. The self-assessment document will need to be completed before entering the facility. Failure to do so will see you prevented from entering. This self-assessment is the standard set of questions about whether one has symptoms, has travelled to other places, and so on. This isn't new other than you filling it out yourself, so please ensure this done. Again, no completed self-assessment, no entry.
3. Social distancing is the new norm, so expect to distanced at the games. While family pods can stick together, there will be space between family groups in order to keep the six-foot rule in place. Again, this isn't new after all we've been through, so make sure you're keeping your distance.
4. You will need to show proof of vaccination. I cannot stress how important that is in ensuring this return to the stands happens smoothly. If you're not vaccinated, go get it done. If you are and you have your government-issued QR code or vaccination card, have it handy. The only way you're walking into any of the facilities that the Bisons play in is with proof of vaccination. Don't even try to make an excuse. If you're from another province and you're coming to watch, call ahead to find out what you need to bring to get in. No proof, no entry.
5. Masks will be required once inside any of the facilities, and there will be no hesitation in asking fans to leave if they refuse to mask up whether watching the game, standing at concessions, or simply going through the process to gain entry. Masks are proven to work to reduce the risk of transmission, so bring it with you, put it on, and enjoy the game.

As a broadcaster, we will be reminding fans of these rules during the pregame show, so expect to hear a lot about this. As part of the UMFM broadcast team that works under the supervision of Bisons Sports at their facility, we have to follow the same stringent guidelines to be a part of the game as the fans. If we can do it for ten games or more this season, you can too.

I know these restrictions have taken a toll on all of us. You may disagree with some of these requirements to watch a hockey game or a court sport or a football game, and we can't do much to change that. However, there are a few things you need to remember when arriving to attend a game and the urge to express one's self grows.

• The staff working the entry points for these sports are under more stress than you to ensure that all of the five requirements are being met so that everyone who passes through the doors are safe. They are NOT there to listen to your complaints about the requirements or to be a target for insults. If you think filling out a self-assessment is a pain in the rear, it is. We all know it is. But if you're going to hurl insults and throw a tantrum over filling out a form, you likely will be excused from future Bisons games as well. It's your choice - do what is required or risk banishment, possibly permanently.
• You may disagree with the requirements through personal beliefs or some other reason, but that's a YOU problem. The staff working for the Bisons didn't make the rules - they just enforce them. If you truly believe that the University of Manitoba and/or the Province of Manitoba are ruining your fan experience with these requirements, take it up with them by writing an email. As stated above, both Bisons Sports and the staff working for the Bisons are doing this so fans CAN return to games. Otherwise, the rink would be closed to fans. How's that for ruining the fan experience?
• If you do have a question about any of the requirements for medical reasons, I strongly encourage you to reach out to the Bisons before attending the games. As you're likely aware, there are medical conditions where getting the vaccine is discouraged, and the Bisons will investigate what can be done to accommodate those people with the right documentation. Please reach out and talk to someone prior to arriving, though. It will expedite the entry for everyone involved.

Now that we've cleared all that up, it's time to welcome everyone back! Tickets reportedly go on sale on September 15 for Bisons women's hockey for all games, and they will be virtual tickets only as stated above. Adult tickets are still $10 - best deal in town! - while teens, seniors, and non-UofM students get into games for $5. Kids under 12 are always free to come and watch the Herd rumble to victory, and UofM students get into games for free as well!

Hockey starts on October 15 as the Canada West season opens with the Calgary Dinos visiting Wayne Fleming Arena. I hope to see you there vaccinated, masked, socially distant from others, and cheering on the Bisons!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!