Keeneland to Welcome Limited Fans for Spring Meet

The grandstand at Keeneland won't be packed shoulder to shoulder on opening weekend like it would be in a pre-pandemic world, but the Lexington track Feb. 17 announced plans to allow a limited number of fans to attend its 2021 Spring Meet April 2-23.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced Keeneland to cancel the 2020 Spring Meet and hold an unprecedented five-day Summer Meet in July. The 2020 Summer and Fall Meets and Breeders' Cup World Championships at Keeneland were closed to fans.

"The enthusiasm and loyalty of our fans are what make Keeneland so special," Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin said. "We have missed their presence on race days, and we are excited to welcome them, albeit in limited number, back to Keeneland. We appreciate the support of the Central Kentucky community this past year, and we hope this step is the first toward somewhat normal operations in the fall.

"While our team has worked diligently on a plan for expanded attendance this spring, the safety of our guests and employees remains our top priority," Arvin added. "As such, our COVID-19 protocols remain in place and will be strictly enforced during the Spring Meet."

In accordance with Keeneland's COVID-19 safety measures, all individuals will be required to wear a face mask and maintain proper social distancing while on the grounds. Health screenings and temperature checks will resume at all entrance gates for the race meet.

For this year's Spring Meet, Keeneland will make available a limited number of pre-sold ticket packages, including dining, grandstand reserved seating, and general admission. Details on how to purchase ticket packages and pricing will be announced March 1. Fans are encouraged to visit keeneland.com/newsletter to sign up for ticket alerts in the coming weeks. 

Keeneland will also allow limited access to race participants, sponsors, box holders, and Club members.

Only participants and essential personnel were allowed to attend the Summer and Fall Meets last year, and the same limitations were in place for the Breeders' Cup World Championships. In September, Breeders' Cup announced that the World Championships would return to Keeneland for the third time in 2022, giving fans another chance to attend after missing out in 2020 due to COVID-19. Del Mar in Southern California will host the 2021 World Championships.

Last year's Spring Meet was canceled in mid-March only a couple weeks from the start of the meet. Keeneland was able to bring back 10 graded stakes during its five-day Summer Meet, including the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G2) and Central Bank Ashland Stakes (G1) which awarded qualifying points for the postponed Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) and Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1), respectively.

The Blue Grass and Ashland will return to their regular schedule this year and run April 3, the first Saturday of the meet. They are among nine stakes races scheduled across the first two days of the meet.