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Churchill Downs Considers Increasing Kentucky Derby Capacity

On Monday, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced that businesses would be allowed to increase indoor capacity from 50 to 60 percent. According to the Courier-Journal, Churchill Downs is now considering increasing fan capacity at this year's Kentucky Derby, scheduled for Saturday, May 1.

Previously, Churchill had announced that 40 to 50 percent of the track's reserve seating capacity would be sold for Derby day. Now, that capacity might be increased to 60 percent, though a specific number of seats has not been decided. General admission tickets will not be sold until closer to the date of the Kentucky Derby.

“With the governor's announcement yesterday, we've started to analyze how we can flex up and remain nimble for the weeks to come for any additional charges and restrictions as that might come out,” Churchill president Mike Anderson told the Courier-Journal. “We'll continue to follow the guidelines for both local and state health agencies to make sure we are following all the COVID compliance.”

No fans were permitted at the 2020 edition of the Kentucky Derby, which was held on Sept. 5, due to the pandemic.

Keeneland ‘Eager To Welcome Fans,’ Unveils Spring Meet Ticketing Plans

Keeneland today released plans to offer fans a limited number of ticket packages for dining, Reserved Grandstand seating and General Admission for the 2021 Spring Meet, to be held April 2-23. All ticket packages were designed in accordance with COVID-19 safety protocols and will be pre-sold online in two phases.

Fans are encouraged to visit Keeneland.com/tickets for information on Spring Meet ticket options and the process to purchase.

“Keeneland is eager to welcome fans, although fewer in number, back this spring for what promises to be an exciting race meet,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “We have missed our fans as much as they've missed Keeneland, particularly at this time of year as we shake off winter to celebrate the return of spring. While we are still limited in capacity, our team is hard at work creating unique touches that will deliver the exceptional and safe race-day experience our guests expect from Keeneland. And for those fans who can't attend in person, Keeneland will provide ways for you to enjoy your race-day traditions from the comfort of your home.”

Keeneland has worked to ensure the most fair ticket selection process possible given the anticipated demand and to create a safe and fun on-site environment for its guests. In addition, Keeneland will offer a 48-hour cancellation policy without penalty.

Beginning Monday, March 8, fans may apply for the opportunity to purchase a table for six in the fourth-floor Lexington/Kentucky Room or Phoenix Room or up to six Reserved Grandstand seat ticket packages on specific race days.

Fans may purchase General Admission ticket packages online on a first-come, first-served basis starting Wednesday, March 24. A maximum of six tickets may be purchased per order.

Reserved Grandstand and General Admission ticket packages will include admission, a race-day program and a concession allowance. Dining ticket packages will include admission, a race-day program and a prix fixe three-course meal.

Keeneland will continue to enforce COVID-19 protocols during the Spring Meet and implement new initiatives with regard to mobile ticketing and cashless payment to further create a safe environment for all guests.

Keeneland's new ticketing platform enables patrons to complete their ticketing purchase online and to add tickets to their mobile wallet for easy scanning at the admission gates. Additionally, all Grandstand and General Admission ticket packages will include a $10 concession card and concession stands will feature new meal deals for lunch, all aimed to reduce wait times in lines as well as the amount of cash transactions.

As always, all forms of seating at Keeneland, including dining tables, outdoor boxes, pods of tickets in the Reserved Grandstand area and Grandstand benches, will be kept at a social distance.

All individuals will be required to wear a face mask and maintain proper social distancing while on the grounds. Health screenings and temperature checks will resume at all entrance gates for the race meet.

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Virginia Gold Cup Moved To May 29, Will Allow Limited Spectators

Every May, on the same date as the Kentucky Derby, one of the nation's largest steeplechase events takes place in Northern Virginia. As an event that has been run on the first Saturday in May for the past 95 years, the Virginia Gold Cup is considered to be Virginia's answer to the Kentucky Derby. This year that date will change to May 29.

Last year, the event moved to June 27 and ran without spectators. It was livestreamed without charge so its many fans could watch online.

This May marks the 96th year for the event and organizers have completely overhauled the spectator portion to comply with COVID-19. The event will now run on May 29 with limited ticket packages for sale. Spectators will be allowed in a reduced number of pre-purchased rail spaces that will ring the entire racecourse. No corporate tents will be allowed on site. Rail spaces will be spread out and will be larger than in past (12' wide by 20' deep.) Those attending must purchase a rail spot that comes with 10 tickets (10 wristbands, one reserved tailgate car pass and two general admission car passes.) The cost is $675 for a rail space on Member's Hill and $500 for rail spaces on north or south areas around the racecourse. No individual tickets will be sold.

Limited ticket packages are available and purchases can only be made by calling 540-347-2612. Sales are on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Attendees who have had a regular rail spot year-after-year will not receive that space this year and those who acquire a rail space this year will not receive any privileges for subsequent years. In 2022, the event will revert back to its space reservations of 2019 as there are a number of people who have held specific spaces at the race for years.

“A final ruling on the event is expected from the Governor a month before the race. Should something happen with Covid-19 between now and April 15, we will be able to adjust accordingly,” explained Dr. William Allison, chairman of the Virginia Gold Cup Association. “In the interim, we'll accept space reservations but they'll be very limited.”

Covid-19 restrictions will limit the availability of food at the event. “All spectators will have to bring their own food and drink,” Allison continued. Some catering will be available for on-site pickup (see website for details.)

The pandemic has severely financially impacted the equine industry in Virginia. It is an industry that's very important to the Commonwealth's economy. A 2018/19 report by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reported that the horse industry brings more than $2 billion annually in economic development to the Commonwealth. The report noted that there are more than 183,643 horses in the state that provide approximately 38,874 jobs. It also stated that there are 30.5% or one million households that contain horse enthusiasts.

“It's important to run these races so that we can continue to help out the equine industry and provide some income,” stated Allison. “So many jockeys, trainers and industry employees are dependent on these races.”

For more information visit vagoldcup.com. The website will be updated as additional information becomes available.

The 2021 Virginia Gold Cup Races are presented by Brown Advisory, the Virginia Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, the Virginia Thoroughbred Association, Virginia Equine Alliance and the Virginia Breeders Fund.

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Keeneland To Allow Limited Number Of Fans At 2021 Spring Meet

Keeneland has announced plans to allow a limited number of fans to attend its 2021 Spring Meet, to be held April 2-23.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced Keeneland to cancel the 2020 Spring Meet and hold an unprecedented five-day Summer Meet in July. The 2020 Summer and Fall Meets and Breeders' Cup World Championships at Keeneland were closed to fans.

For this year's Spring Meet, Keeneland will make available a limited number of pre-sold ticket packages including dining, Grandstand reserved seating and general admission.

Keeneland will announce details about how to purchase ticket packages and pricing on Monday, March 1. Fans are encouraged to visit keeneland.com/newsletter to sign up for ticket alerts in the coming weeks.

Keeneland will also allow limited access to race participants, sponsors, box holders and Club members.

“The enthusiasm and loyalty of our fans are what make Keeneland so special,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “We have missed their presence on race days and we are excited to welcome them, albeit in limited number, back to Keeneland. We appreciate the support of the Central Kentucky community this past year, and we hope this step is the first toward somewhat normal operations in the fall.

“While our team has worked diligently on a plan for expanded attendance this spring, the safety of our guests and employees remains our top priority,” Arvin added. “As such, our COVID-19 protocols remain in place and will be strictly enforced during the Spring Meet.”

In accordance with Keeneland's COVID-19 safety measures, all individuals will be required to wear a face mask and maintain proper social distancing while on the grounds. Health screenings and temperature checks will resume at all entrance gates for the race meet.

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