The Grand Rapids Griffins on Thursday announced there will be no COVID-19 vaccine mandates as well as mask mandates for fans during the 2021-22 season. 

The Griffins, who finished third in the Central Division last year with a 16-12-3-1 (36 points) record, open their 26th season Oct. 15, hosting the Rockford IceHogs at Van Andel Arena.

The team also announced additional policies and protocols that fans will experience during the 2021-22 campaign with an emphasis on cleanliness and contact-free encounters.

No-bag policy
Van Andel Arena adopted a no-bag policy, reducing contact between guests and security staff by eliminating the need to search these items. The team said this is part of ongoing efforts to promote a contact-free experience. Note that medical bags and small clutches no larger than 4.5-by-6.5 inches will be permitted, as will bags used for carrying skates into the arena during games featuring a post-game skate. Bags in the medical/essential category will be screened in a secondary screening area.

Mobile ticketing
New for the 2021-22 season, the Griffins will deliver all tickets in a contactless, mobile format for display on smartphones and other electronic devices. Click here to read more on how to manage and use your mobile tickets.

Cashless purchases
Cashless transactions are required for all box office, merchandise and concession purchases. A mobile ordering system is available at the Ionia Street Grill (located on the east side of the concourse outside of Section 108/109) and the Ottawa Street Grill (located on the west side of the concourse outside of Section 121/122), allowing fans to order and pay for concessions with their mobile devices. When the order is ready for pickup, the program will notify the customer and confirm the pickup location. For more information on the new concession mobile ordering system, click here.

Arena cleaning procedures
Van Andel Arena has implemented increased air filtration including bipolar ionization equipment and has placed hand sanitizing stations throughout the venue. VenueShield, a comprehensive environmental hygiene program, has been implemented at Van Andel Arena. For more information regarding VenueShield, click here.