NEW ORLEANS - The Saints announced Thursday a temporary change to its ticket refund policy, allowing fans who won't go to games because of the vaccine mandate to request a refund. 

Just a day earlier, the team told local news outlets that it would not offer refunds to those who can't go to the game because they refused the shot. 

"Based on current city and state regulations allowing full capacity, we did not plan to offer refunds for season tickets, as has been our standard policy," Saints Vice President of Communications Greg Bensel said in a statement Thursday. "Those seeking a refund should reach out to their ticket representative by the deadline of Tuesday, Aug. 24 at 4 p.m. CT. At their request, we will cancel their accounts and provide a refund."

The City of New Orleans is not requiring that those who enter the premises be fully vaccinated, it is mandating that those seeking entry provide either proof of a single vaccination dose or a negative COVID-19 test. 

The requirement does not apply to fans under 13, who are not eligible for vaccines yet.

Saints officials say the City of New Orleans will permit fans to enter the stadium even if they receive their first COVID-19 vaccination shot on the day of the game. 

The team will be partnering with Ochsner to ensure that free COVID-19 vaccinations will be offered at the Caesars Superdome. 

Officials said they had received fewer than 120 requests for ticket refunds as of Thursday morning. But media coverage did trigger thousands of calls from fans who wanted to buy season tickets "made available by current season ticket holders seeking refunds," according to the news release.

Click here to read the full news release.