New York State is slowly but surely returning to its previous normal state. Most recently the New York Racing Association has informed that the live spectators count at Saratoga Raceway will be increased. The track will be able to welcome larger audiences to almost its full capacity for the 2021 summer meet, which will begin on July 15.
The state’s horse racing tracks were permitted to allow live audiences at the venue at the start of May, after an announcement from Governor Cuomo and the association. This has been the first time that fans have stepped foot onto the grounds since the beginning of the unprecedented situation in March 2020. But now the industry is edging closer to normality.
One Step Closer to Regularity
The 2021 summer meet starts on July 15 all the way through September 6. Tickets will be available from June 9, at 10 a.m. on the association’s official website. Season tickets will also be available for purchase. The increase of capacity will be possible due to the state’s rule that allows a large group of vaccinated people to use the full capacity of a venue without maintaining a physical distance.
Gov. Cuomo revealed that on the opening day of the 2021 meet, fans who show proof of vaccination through the NYS Excelsior Pass will receive free admissions to the track’s Grandstand. And for fans of the live harness races from outside the state, will be required to present their Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccination record document.
The season and weekly ticket plans will have reserved seating in the track’s Clubhouse, Grandstand, The Stretch, and Fourstardave Sports Bar, and will be officially up for grabs on June 9. Season admission passes will also be available from the same date, the passes are only available in digital form and are only for vaccinated individuals. A Grandstand season pass is US$50 and a Clubhouse season pass is US$75.
Several sectors of the horse racing facility will be devoted to the vaccinated fans and will operate in full capacities, such as the 1863 Club, The Stretch, Turf Terrace, Porch, Clubhouse, and most seats in the Grandstand. Non-vaccinated children under the age of 16 will also be allowed to use the seating and hospitality areas, provided that they are accompanied by a vaccinated adult. Non-vaccinated individuals must comply with the usual social distancing rules.
Earlier Conditions
After more than a year-long wait, Saratoga Raceway officially saw the return of its live crowds on May 3, 2021. At that time the track operated under a 200-individuals capacity. Upon entering the venue, fans had to undergo temperature screening. Presenting negative test results for the unprecedented situation was not required.
One More Track Reopens
Belmont Park also reopened for live audiences but two days earlier on May 1, 2021. However, at the time the venue had far stricter health and safety protocols in comparison to Saratoga Raceway. Fans had to show proof of vaccination or present negative PCR or antigen test for the dangerous virus. Also, they had to undergo a temperature check on the track’s entry points.
Source: “NYRA: Saratoga Race Course set to re-open at near full capacity”, Troyrecord, May 27, 2021
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