Fans, welcome: Santa Anita reopens in April at limited capacity
Santa Anita will reopen to the public at limited capacity beginning Friday, April 2, in keeping with the State of California guidelines for large sporting event venues. The opening, which comes as Los Angeles County moves into the red tier for COVID, is the day before the 84th running of the Santa Anita Derby, traditionally one of the highlights on the Southern California sports calendar.
Fans must purchase tickets, which include an assigned seats, in advance of arrival at Santa Anita. In accordance with state requirements for re-opening, walk-up or general-admission tickets may not be sold, though that could change as the COVID numbers improve in Los Angeles County.
To receive information on ticket sales as soon as they become available, fans are encouraged to sign up for Santa Anita’s newsletter at santaanita.com/open.
“We are extremely excited to welcome back our racing fans to Santa Anita just in time for the Santa Anita Derby,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita senior vice president and general manager. “It hasn’t been the same without the people who are so important to this sport. While the current restrictions are going to limit the size of the crowds, we are working hard to provide a memorable experience for our guests and to thank them for their support.”
Each ticket will include a seat, program, and parking. All fans must follow stringent guidelines and protocols, including mandatory wearing of cloth face coverings and maintaining social distancing at all times. Box seats, tables and individual seats will be separated and sold to maximize social distancing.
The $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1) is traditionally one of the track’s biggest days. Last year, with the facility closed to all but the most essential personnel, Authentic finished second to Honor A. P. prior to becoming the 19th Kentucky Derby winner to have prepped in the Santa Anita Derby. Authentic closed his 2021 campaign with a win in the Breeders’ Cup Classic en route to earning Horse of the Year honors.
First post time for Friday, April 2, will be 1 p.m. PDT, and first post for Santa Anita Derby Day on Saturday, April 3, will be noon PDT.