INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The NFC Championship game was days ago, but Rams die-hard Aldair Villaseñor, can’t stop talking about it.
“Oh my goodness, I was there for the championship game against the 49ers and it was such an amazing feeling,” he said.
Villaseñor is a restaurant manager at El Huarache de México in Simi Valley. He has season passes to see the Rams and goes whenever he can escape his shift.
“I bought this jersey last year actually and I’ve been wearing it to every home game at SoFi. It’s like my good luck charm … a tradition that I do. So hopefully it works out for the Super Bowl if I go. Hopefully!” Villaseñor said.
But if he goes to the Super Bowl, Villaseñor will need to bring more than his jersey. He’ll need proof of vaccination or a negative PCR or antigen test taken 48 to 24 hours before the game.
He’ll also have to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. Villaseñor said most people usually comply with the rules.
“Based on what I observe, a lot of people still wear their masks even though they are still cheering or, you know, doing their thing. Only when they have food or drink is when I see people without a mask,” he said.
In a public health news conference, LA County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer said her staff has been working with the NFL and SoFi for the past three months.
“We’ve worked with the NFL and our partners to ensure compliance with vaccination and testing requirements at all large events, where attendants will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter,” Ferrer said.
Ferrer said everyone attending the Super Bowl will be provided a KN95 mask and anyone attending an NFL Experience event will get a free mask and two rapid tests (one for when they arrive and another to use before they gather with people on Super Bowl Sunday).
Villaseñor said whether he’s working at the restaurant or he’s at SoFi, he’ll be watching.
“We are going to win, no doubt. SoFi Stadium, home advantage, and you know, the whole LA crowd is going to be there, and they’re going to show up and show every support that they can. And I’m pretty sure they’re going to bring it,” he said.