Gulfstream Park Works Toward Return of Fans

The Stronach Group has been working toward a plan to allow spectators to return to Gulfstream Park for the Championship Meet at a reduced capacity, said the organization's Bill Badgett, executive director of Florida racing operations. No fans have been allowed at the South Florida track since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's our ultimate goal but we're watching the numbers (of COVID-19 cases) closely in Florida, especially since they just started opening things up to the public—bars and restaurants, pretty much everything," Badgett said. "We'll watch and see how the numbers fluctuate and we'll make a decision as we get closer. But hopefully we get some people back to the races and open things up if at all possible."

The Thoroughbred Daily News first reported Gulfstream's plans for fans to return to the South Florida track.

Gulfstream's Championship Meet begins Dec. 2. Racing in the region is currently taking place at Gulfstream Park West.

Badgett said meetings are still ongoing and a firm decision on spectators will be made closer to the start of the Championship meet. Racehorse owners were allowed to return to Gulfstream on June 3.

"Right now when you enter the facility you have to get your temperature taken and you have to wear a mask at all times unless you're eating or drinking," Badgett said. "We do the best we possibly can at social distancing. It looks like if you stick to those guidelines it works out pretty well. The good thing is we do have the facility set up where we can have designated areas where we're able to control the amount of people that are in them. Ten Palms is at 50% capacity, which is our main restaurant. We alternate tables, try to keep everybody separated. … Hopefully we can put out two-tops on the apron, with just two people sitting at a table, and space them accordingly."

Badgett added that 50% capacity would apply throughout the facility with the return of fans. Gulfstream can seat over 16,000 people without ant restrictions.

Florida's Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Sept. 25 that the state would move into Phase 3 of reopening, which lifted capacity restrictions on restaurants and other businesses. 

"The numbers are really not at a capacity we're happy with. As you see, with schools opening there's kids getting positives. The athletes are still coming up positive in football, as well as baseball," Badgett said. "There's really not a cure all for it. With our health and safety directives we're staying within the strictest guidelines trying to keep everybody as healthy as possible."

According for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Florida has experienced 17,778 cases in the last seven days. The CDC has tracked a total of 726,934 cases this year.

Hard Rock Stadium also remains at limited capacity for the Miami Dolphins' home games with only 13,000 people allowed despite receiving permission to open fully. The stadium seats more than 65,000.

"You see the Breeders' Cup with no spectators. Even though things have opened up in Florida the Miami Dolphins are going to have a limited capacity. Even though the governor said they could have full capacity they're not going to do it either," Badgett said. "Everybody's really watching things closely just trying to keep everybody safe and be at the highest alert."