Tulane requiring proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test to attend game against No. 3 Oklahoma

Everybody attending Tulane's home football opener against No. 3 Oklahoma will be required to present proof of having received a COVID-19 vaccine or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the game, the school announced. All guests also must wear a mask while in the stadium.

The statement from Tulane comes after New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell issued an directive for the city that requires people engaged in many large indoor and outdoor activities to either show proof of the vaccine or a negative test. The guidelines also extend to those attending New Orleans Saints football games or concerts, eating at restaurants and going to the gym. The requirement goes into effect Aug. 16.

Louisiana, which ranks among the states with the lowest rates of vaccinations, has been hit hard by the Delta variant of COVID-19 and seen cases rise, prompting the decision by Cantrell.

The game against Oklahoma, which will be played on campus at Yulman Stadium, is a rare marquee matchup for Tulane against of the sport's biggest programs. The Green Wave previously played on the road against the Sooners in 2017 and also visited Ohio State and Auburn recently. 

Tulane said 95% of its student body and 92% of the faculty and staff are vaccinated.

"It is our hope that the mayor's directive will encourage the unvaccinated to receive a vaccination for their own benefit and for the benefit of all of us," a statement from Tulane athletics director Troy Dannen said. "It also serves as a strong reminder that in a pandemic there are expectations for all who want to participate in activities in which they share an environment with others."

Follow colleges reporter Erick Smith on Twitter @ericksmith