Keeneland’s spring meet gets underway this Friday with a more traditional setting in mind.
A year ago racing at the historic Lexington track was canceled due to coronavirus concerns. A short July meet was staged without fans followed by greatly limited attendance last fall. General admission tickets have been sold online for these three weeks of racing, but still far fewer than for a typical meet. Keeneland Director of Patron Experience Kara Weisenbuttel (WISE-en-BUT-el) said COVID-19 related modifications will be in place.
“So, we have spaced out all of our tables, our seats, our benches. Everything is socially distanced throughout the grounds, so that where-ever you are seated, you can feel comfortable enjoying your race day experience and not feel like you’re on top of other people,” said Weisenbuttel.
Weisenbuttel noted all patrons will be ticketed in advance. She added there is a 48-hour cancelation policy for this meet, so tickets can be turned back in to be available for other people.
Weisenbuttel said the grounds will be open in the morning for workouts, to shop, or visit the track kitchen. “But at 11:00 a.m. our grounds will kind of close down to the general public and from that point on only patrons or people with a credential will be permitted onto the property,” said Weisenbuttel.
No tail gating will be allowed at Keeneland this spring and tables and chairs will be spaced out. Weisenbuttel says masks will be required when moving about the Keeneland grounds unless seated at a table or an outside seat.
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