Kentucky Derby to Allow Spectators in September

It was also unclear how the protocols would be enforced, though officials said they would “severely” limit access throughout the facility. General admission tickets would be sold only for the track’s infield, and “guests will be consistently and frequently encouraged to wear a mask at all times unless seated in their reserved seat or venue,” the plan said. Flanery said in an interview that employees at the track would be required to wear masks in accordance with state protocols at the time of the race. Masks are not required, but are heavily encouraged in Kentucky right now.

“It’s going to be a very different experience, and we want to be respectful moving forward in a responsible way,” Flanery said. “But it will be different and we’re relying on spectators coming together with us to make this a unique and safe experience.”

For now, there aren’t expected to be daily health screenings for racegoers. Still, gambling, drinks made with bourbon and culinary delights will still reign throughout the racetrack, just with adjustments. Food will be served individually, rather than at chefs’ tables; concession lines and betting tellers will be spread out with queued lines, and gamblers will be encouraged to wager from their phones.

Gamblers wagered nearly $251 million on the entire Kentucky Derby slate of races last year, with $48.4 million wagered online through TwinSpires, the official online and mobile betting site for Churchill Downs.

Tickets purchased for the Derby’s original date in May were automatically valid, the announcement said. Staff plan to individually contact ticketholders to determine whether they plan to attend.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/25/sports/horse-racing/kentucky-derby-fans.html