Kentucky Downs outlines seating plan for September meet

Reserved seating for the 2020 Runhappy Meet at Kentucky Downs are on sale now through the track’s online ticket office.

COVID-19 protocols and restrictions have forced Kentucky Downs to adjust its seating availability and admission policy. As a result, admission to the live race meet will be by reserved seating only. There will be no general admission and no tailgating for the 2020 live race meet, which runs Sept. 7, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 16. Horsemen and their employees with a valid Kentucky Thoroughbred license will be admitted at no charge but will require a ticket for access to reserved-seating venues.

Ticketed seating will be available in three outdoor areas: an expanded Finish Line Pavilion, Turf Club Tent and picnic tables with all-weather umbrellas. Tables in every venue will be at least six feet apart. Seats must be purchased by the table, with no individual tickets sold.

In addition, a Bring Your Own Tent area will be sectioned into 10-by-10-foot spaces.

“The health pandemic has turned the world upside down, and we’re just grateful that Kentucky has been allowed to safely open up racetracks at a reduced capacity,” said Ted Nicholson, Kentucky Downs’ senior vice president and executive director. “So we’ve worked hard and had to get creative to allow as many people as possible to enjoy our racing in person.”

The details:

Finish Line Pavilion: Located right before the finish line and near the paddock, this seating venue is being expanded to accommodate more horsemen and race-goers. A table of six costs $240, including box lunches and track programs. The area includes easy access to a cash bar and betting windows.

Turf Club Tent: This has been relocated to inside the 16th pole from its previous location in front of the main building. The more upscale seating option costs $390 for a table for six, including plated meals and track programs for guests, with easy access to a cash bar and betting windows.

Picnic tables: These open-air tables for eight have umbrellas and are positioned near the racetrack apron just before the 16th-pole. At $160 per picnic table, guests may bring in food and non-alcoholic beverages, with the venue in close proximity to a cash bar and the betting pavilion.

BYO Tent: Located in the grassy area behind the picnic tables, guests can bring their own tents to set up in 10-by-10-foot areas, which will accommodate up to six people for $100 per square. Food and non-alcoholic beverages may be brought in, with the venue adjacent to the restrooms and in close proximity to a cash bar and betting pavilion.

Horsemen: Those with a valid Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Thoroughbred license, including hotwalkers, grooms, trainers and owners, are welcome at no charge but will not have access to reserved seating without a ticket.

Historical Horse Racing gaming in the main building will remain open throughout the live race meet, as will simulcasting on the second floor, with free admission. Because of COVID restrictions, the number of people who can be admitted is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis for both HHR and simulcasting. Guests will not have access to the racetrack areas without a ticket or KHRC license.

“Our tickets sell very quickly when we’re at full capacity with unlimited general admission,” Nicholson said. “So we cannot stress enough how important it is to purchase seats early in order to avoid getting shut out. The good news is that we do have a sixth day this year that should allow more people to enjoy America’s most unique race meet, with Kentucky Downs’ nation-leading full fields and low takeout.”

Here's a rundown of the 2020 stakes races at Kentucky Downs:

Monday Sept. 7: