Arlington Wins Approval for 300 Spectators Daily

Just in time for an on-track Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) experience, Arlington International Racecourse has won approval to welcome up to 300 spectators daily, with full COVID-19 precautions in place.

The track announced Aug. 27 it has received a go-ahead from local, county, and state officials to have fans in its outdoor areas "just in time for Illinoisans to enjoy watching the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, Sept. 5."

The announcement is the latest bump on the rough road that has been the Illinois Thoroughbred racing season. With Hawthorne Race Course out of action in the springtime to prepare for its casino construction, there was no Thoroughbred racing in the late winter or spring.

Then Arlington's season was delayed by pandemic shutdowns. And when those eased, the track said it would not race without fans.

That position was reversed, and after long drama, a contract was hashed out with Illinois horsemen to finally get the season underway—without fans in the stands and with no stakes races. Arlington continued to press its case for spectators.

"Wearing masks and social distancing behaviors that have been adopted by the public, along with additional measures incorporated into our plan for spectators, allows us to have a safe environment for everyone in our outdoor grandstand facility," said Arlington president Tony Petrillo.

"We are confident that we will operate our grandstand facility as safely as we have operated in our backstretch and (the off-track betting) Trackside facilities over the past few months. We are thankful for the cooperation and assistance of local and state officials who helped develop and approve our plan."

The 300-spectator maximum will be in effect through the Sept. 26 end of the meet. All tickets must be purchased online at least 24 hours in advance and are limited to adults 18 and older. Children 17 and under will not be permitted access. Patrons will be required to wear masks at all times unless they are consuming food or beverage in their seats.

Full health and safety guidelines and facility restrictions are posted on Arlington's website at arlingtonpark.com/tickets/policies-restrictions/.

Tickets will go on sale Sept. 1 at noon CT only on Arlington's website: arlingtonpark.com/tickets.