New Orleans Saints Reverse Vaxx Policy, But It’s Not the One You Think

The New Orleans Saints now say they will offer ticket refunds to unvaccinated fans, the opposite of the policy they announced earlier this week.

On Tuesday, the New Orleans football team's management said they wouldn't refund cash to fans who won't go along with the team's - and the city's - COVID-19 rules. According to the Saints, in keeping with Mayor LaToya Cantrell's dictum, anyone wanting to attend a game at Caesar's Superdome either has to be vaccinated or show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test.

Officials for the team had also posited the idea that fans who planned on skipping games because of the COVID policy should sell their unused tickets themselves.

But on Thursday afternoon, the Saints reversed course, telling fans they'll offer refunds for the 2021 season.

From the New Orleans Saints official release:

"We have received less than 120 requests for ticket refunds as of Thursday morning and, following media inquiries and recent articles about refund policies, we have received thousands of calls from interested fans wanting to purchase any season tickets made available by current season ticket holders seeking refunds. Our preference is to have these loyal fans in the seats rather than see these additional tickets be made available to visiting fans via the secondary market."

The Saints also announced they will work to expedite the give-backs. Anyone wanting their money back must notify the team by August 24.

The Saints' original decision was met with criticism, including public disapproval on social media from Louisiana Attorney General, Jeff Landry:

"Completely unacceptable! Taxpayers should not continue to fund your projects with policies like this. I call on (the Louisiana) Treasury and my fellow Bond Commission members to oppose any request for the Dome until these ticket holders are refunded or given ability to opt out."