Sharks update arena mandate to now include children aged 3-11 years old

This just in, the San Jose Sharks have announced that children aged 3-11 years old will now be included in the in-arena mandates, requiring attendees to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for admission.

From the Sharks' official press release announcement:

Effective Thursday, December 9, 2021, all guests ages 3-11 who visit SAP Center at San Jose must be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event. As announced in August, all guests ages 12 and older are still required to show proof of full vaccination upon entry. These requirements will remain in place until state and local health and safety guidance is revised.  

To avoid unnecessary delays, SSE recommends guests ages 3-11 receive a negative COVID-19 test result prior to arriving at SAP Center. To schedule a COVID-19 Test in Santa Clara County in advance, please click HERE. For the convenience of guests ages 3-11, SSE has partnered with Total Testing Solutions to provide free on-site COVID-19 testing at SAP Center. Total Testing Solutions testing at SAP Center will begin approximately one hour before doors are scheduled to open on the day of the event.

Call me crazy, but I don't see this helping the Sharks improve attendance at SAP Center...

In any case, reaction to today's news has been mixed, to say the least, with most fans protesting the team's new mandate.

Check out some of these fan replies to the announcement:

The Sharks have been struggling to fill the SAP Center this season, despite actually have some on-ice success. The Sharks are 13-11-1 so far and are at a pivotal point in the season. There next 10-20 games is ultimately going to decide whether they're ready to make a push for a playoff spot or if they're still on the outside looking in. If the latter is the case, don't be surprised to see players like Tomas Hertl and Andrew Cogliano on the trade block.