The Del Mar Racetrack plans to allow fans to return to the venue by July, reports CBS8.
With COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates going down and vaccination rates going up, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club officials are looking forward to having fans return for the start of the summer racing season on July 16.
Officials made the announcement on Tuesday, March 16, in a statement posted to social media.
“We will continue to follow the guidance of local health officials and our medical advisors, but based on what has been announced for other local attractions such as the San Diego Padres and SeaWorld, we are optimistic we will have fans in the stands this summer at some level,” said Del Mar president and COO Josh Rubinstein. “We have the advantages of a 350-acre site and a facility that can host people quite comfortably with appropriate social distancing as needed.”
The announcement did not state how many spectators would be allowed in the venue or any other restrictions besides social distancing.
This summer will be the seaside track's 82nd season, according to track officials.
"With its traditional opening day feature – the Runhappy Oceanside Stakes – topping the bill, the Friday, July 16 kickoff will initiate a Friday-Saturday-Sunday beginning to the first two weeks of the season," reads the press release. "The remainder of the meet will feature Thursday-through- Sunday racing weeks with a finale on Labor Day Monday, September 6."
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