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Fans to be welcomed back at Churchill Downs on Sunday

Kentucky Derby will be held with spectators in September 'under strict guidelines'
Posted at 4:48 PM, Oct 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-24 16:48:33-04

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (LEX 18) — Fans will be allowed back into Churchill Downs for live races on Sunday, with many new precautions.

No one will be allowed in the infield, and fans will be assigned to seats to allow for social distancing. Masks and temperature checks will also be required.

The Kentucky Derby, which was rescheduled to September, was originally supposed to have fans despite the pandemic. However, that decision was reversed just a few weeks before the race, and there were no fans in attendance.

Officials warn the plans for this fall meet could change if the virus ramps up.

"Given the circumstances with public health, we are always ready to pivot. And that's something our team has gotten very used to doing and were very well equipped to do that as well," said Tonya Abeln with Churchill Downs.

Fewer fans are expected on average at this year's Fall Meet.

The racecourse is offering box seats and general admission tickets for more than two dozen days of live racing and simulcast events.