KENTUCKY — Churchill Downs is considered to be one of the world's most legendary racetracks and it has conducted thoroughbred racing and presented America's greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, every year since 1875.
But, after a wildly different Kentucky Derby in 2020 that was run with no spectators in the stands, this year's 2021 Run for the Roses will feel a bit more normal as spectators return for a traditional springtime Derby, but there will be many changes in response to COVID-19.
"I'm so looking forward to having the fans in attendance because last year's Derby, which was spectator-free, we just had the owners on hand, the participants, some members of the media and it was about 1,500 people. It was eerie. It was awkward, running the first Saturday of September. Winning trainer Bob Baffert I think put it best, saying that it didn't feel like Derby until they sprung the gates open, and it only felt like Derby for those two minutes," explained Darren Rogers, senior director for communications and media services at Churchill Downs Racetrack.
Rogers added that he is expecting between 40,000 and 45,000 guests in person for Derby Day on Saturday, May 1, 2021. Rogers says capacity for reserved seats will be 40-50%, which means around 25,000 to 30,000 people. Some premier dining areas will be able to accommodate 60% capacity.
Rogers said general admission and infield tickets are limited to 25-30% capacity, which will end up being somewhere between 15,000 and 18,000 guests.
Outdoor box seats will be in a checkerboard pattern, meaning full boxes will not have other guests in a box to the right, left, front or back. Reserved seats are all-inclusive with food and drink to limit cash transactions. Infield tickets do not include food or drink, but concessions will be available. Rogers said tickets are still available.
Following the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Churchill Down's operation plans include adhering to the most recent COVID-19 health and safety requirements and will have several requirements for guests visiting the track.
Click here for the latest health, safety and ticket information about the 2021 Kentucky Derby and Oaks.