LEXINGTON, Ky. — The stands at Keeneland will finally welcome back fans at full capacity this October for the racetrack's Fall Meet, held Oct. 8-30. Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning at 9 a.m. ET Monday, Aug. 16.

Keeneland said it expects demand to be high, so fans are strongly encouraged to visit tickets.keeneland.com in advance for information on available ticket options, pricing and the process to purchase. The racetrack's e-ticketing platform allows customers to complete their ticket purchases online and add tickets to their mobile wallets for scanning at the admission gates.

“Keeneland is thrilled to welcome greater numbers of fans back to the track for what promises to be a terrific Fall Meet,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “We look forward to being together again as a community and watching great Thoroughbred racing in this beautiful surrounding. As we look ahead to Keeneland’s 85th anniversary this fall, we know reconnecting with those people and places that are special to us will be even more meaningful.” 

The Fall Meet offers a record $6 million in stakes purses and an expanded stakes schedule of 22 races. The season starts with Keeneland's signature Fall Stars Weekend Oct. 8-10, and the meet features 10 Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” races. Two new 6-furlong stakes for 2-year-olds, the Bowman Mill and the Myrtlewood for fillies, and six multiple stakes race days, highlight the Fall Meet.

“The racing excitement will be elevated by record purse money, additional stakes, blockbuster days featuring multiple stakes events throughout the meet and Breeders’ Cup-bound horses competing for automatic berths in the World Championships,” Keeneland Vice President of Racing Gatewood Bell said. “The quality of racing and the high level of competition among the nation’s top stables will appeal to horsemen and fans alike.”

Keeneland said fans will find new concession items and "elevated dining options" like a la carte service and three-course dining experiences. Tailgating will also make its return this fall at The Hill, where fans can listen to live music, visit local food trucks, wager and more. Patrons can also book a customized tailgate package in partnership with REVELxp, a new option this year.

Following the 2021 Spring Meet, Keeneland has restructured ticket pricing and packages for General Admission, Reserved Seating and dining for the Fall Meet:

• Advance-purchase General Admission tickets are $7
• Day-of General Admission tickets still will be sold online and through walk-up purchase at the gate on race days for $10
• Free General Admission is available for members of Keeneland Select, Keeneland’s free online wagering platform
• Grandstand Reserved Seats and dining tickets will be sold online in advance
• Keeneland will pre-sell Fall Meet General Admission Season Passes for $40

Keeneland said it will continue to monitor local and national health guidelines, and as a result, General Admission caps may be enforced.

“We appreciate the loyalty of our horsemen, horseplayers and fans, and we are committed to delivering the most memorable race-day experience possible,” Arvin said. “While challenging, this past year provided us the opportunity to review every facet of our operations and experiences for our guests. From expanding our advance-purchase ticketing options to providing new concession and dining offerings and better leveraging technology, we are excited to roll out these enhancements while remaining one of the region’s best values for world-class entertainment.”

All public race-day parking is free.