PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns FC will require masks in all areas and proof of vaccination against COVID-19 upon entry to games at Providence Park beginning Wednesday, when Thorns FC host NJ/NY Gotham FC.

In compliance with Oregon’s statewide face mask requirement for large outdoor events where physical distancing is not possible, which will go into effect across the state on Friday, Aug. 27, guests aged five and over at Providence Park will be required to wear face coverings in all areas unless actively eating or drinking.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for fans 12 and older upon entry, with acceptable forms of proof being a CDC vaccination card, a photocopy of the card or a photo of the card on a mobile device. Cardholders must be at least two weeks past receiving their second dose in a two-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or a single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

For those who cannot provide proof of vaccination, documentation of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of kickoff will also be accepted.

A number of safety protocols, including cashless transactions (Apple Pay, Google Pay), mobile ordering for food, beverage and merchandise, completely digital ticketing, a clear bag policy and enhanced sanitation protocols remain in place at Providence Park.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.