September 5, 2020: The field for the 2020 Kentucky Derby races in front of an empty grandstand due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sept. 05, 2020. Evers/Eclipse Sportswire/CSM
Though this year’s Kentucky Derby was pushed from the first Saturday in May back to Sept. 5 by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and held without fans in attendance, Churchill Downs is planning to have at least limited spectators for the 2021 Run for the Roses.
According to wkyt.com, the track sent a letter to premium ticket purchasers this week. Churchill indicated that it is “planning for a capacity in line with today’s protocols,” but that officials are “hopeful that we may be able to extend seating options for additional guests as we get closer to the 2021 Derby and Oaks dates.”
New to the seating arrangements in 2021 will be an all-inclusive ticket plan, with food and beverages included, which is intended to reduce patrons’ need to spend time in lines, the letter said.
The 2021 Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 1.
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