Clovis Rodeo finalizes COVID protocols; encourages guests to use free testing and mobile app

The Clovis Rodeo Association has finalized changes for 2021 in keeping with coronavirus safety protocols set by county and state health departments.

There will be no rodeo parade, dance or concerts, and masks will be required.

The event opens Wednesday, April 21, at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds and loses Sunday.

At the top of the list, the rodeo will be operating at 40% capacity, with seating reserved by section with social distancing.

Tickets will be prioritized. Those who purchased tickets last year will be first in line, but they must exchange tickets at the Clovis Rodeo ticket office, beginning April 10. Refunds are available.

Any additional tickets for the 2021 event will be available at the ticket office starting April 19. There will be no print-at-home or mobile tickets for this year’s event.

Masks, IDs and proof of COVID status

The rodeo made it clear guests (those over 2 years old) would be required to wear masks (expect when eating or drinking), but several other entrance requirements have been added.

Attendees will need:

• Valid, legal identification (driver’s license, passport or government-issued ID).
• Proof of a complete COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result taken within 72 hours. Children under 13 are not required to be tested and those who have recovered from COVID-19 within 90 days are exempt with a physician’s note.

Guests who are not fully vaccinated can take advance of free COVID-19 Rapid Antigen testing at the Rodeo Grounds from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, April 19 through Friday, April 23 in the Water Tower lot at Clovis Avenue and Fifth Street.

Test results can be accessed quickly and securely through the NAVICA phone app, so guest can be tested just prior to entry and won’t need to be retested on subsequent days. Negative test results are encrypted and displayed using a QR code.

The NAVICA app is available at the App Store and on Google Play.

This story was originally published April 8, 2021 at 2:00 PM.