As the showdown between Cincinnati and Los Angeles kicked off just a few weeks ago, the game also marked a milestone for the BioReference team. From hours spent planning logistics to around-the-clock testing and traveling with teams, BioReference has been at the forefront of the pandemic sports game plan since the beginning. We’re sharing a look at what it takes to support a pandemic football season culminating in an event of this magnitude, as well as what it means to our colleagues to have had a hand in reviving the game.
BioReference Helps Kick Off the Big Game
“When I think about where the BioReference sports team started back in March 2020 to where we are now, I am so humbled by what we’ve achieved together” says David S., Vice President of Sports Diagnostics. Overseeing customer relationships and supporting operations in 42 states – including robust testing efforts on the ground for this event in Los Angeles – David and team have had an overarching view of what it takes to run sports diagnostics during COVID-19.
Overall in 2022, BioReference has already collected more than 1.4 million rapid COVID-19 tests from athletes, coaches and staff of all major sports leagues. Operations on this level are made possible through more than 200 remote testing sites in arenas, stadiums and practice facilities nationwide – but would be nowhere without the dedicated staff on-the-ground.
“The week of the [big game] we averaged about 800-900 tests a day,” explains Regional Director Kendall W. of preparatory logistics in Los Angeles. “It’s a lot of shifting pieces and parts and each of the eleven testing locations had different requirements. It takes a lot of planning in terms of prepping the staff and the sites and making sure we have everything aligned from schedules to supplies.”
With more than 450 swabbers and supporting staff dedicated to sports across the country in 2021, our team has helped to address both routine and dynamic testing needs. From ramping up operations for a team like Cincinnati during a historic playoff push to adjusting to comply with regularly changing protocols, adaptability is a key element the BioReference team has embraced.
“This game certainly marks a milestone,” says Natalie C., Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “For back-to-back seasons our team has helped the league put the health and safety of athletes, personnel and fans first – so it’s rewarding to see an event like this come to fruition knowing the care and attention to detail that has gone into every step.” An avid sports fan, Natalie recently spoke with PM360 about helping to bring sports back during the pandemic.
As we look towards what comes next in sports diagnostics at BioReference, we highlight the contributions made by our team across the country – from swabbers on the ground to regional directors and beyond – and congratulate them on a successful season and support of the big game. From end to end, a shared sentiment has been a spark of pride at the opportunity to contribute to bringing the joy of sports back amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information about how BioReference has helped to power pandemic sports, take a look at our playbook.
