- The 2021 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be held at California’s Del Mar Thoroughbred Club on November 5 and 6.
- Breeders’ Cup organizers are targeting 100% seated capacity for the event.
- Tickets will go on sale July 16.
Organizers of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships had been taking a ‘wait and see’ approach before making tickets for the 2021 event available. That strategy looks to have paid off. Earlier today, a press release announced plans to ‘utilize 100% of seated capacity at Del Mar racetrack’ for the 2021 Breeders’ Cup which takes place on November 5 and 6.
There’s only one caveat–the press release noted that general admission tickets will not be made available at this time. That means you’ll need to be one of the reserve seating options which include premium dining, box seats and grandstand tickets. They haven’t ruled general admission out entirely for the 2021 Breeders’ Cup–the press release indicated that “Breeders’ Cup is closely coordinating with local health officials and is hopeful to be in a position to offer general admission closer.” Additionally, no walk up tickets will be sold–reserved or otherwise–pending further announcement.
The announcement is consistent with Del Mar’s plans for the 2021 summer race meet which will also allow 100% seated capacity. The iconic California track will begin its 82nd season of racing on Friday, July 16 and run through Labor Day Monday, September 6. The track quoted a seated capacity of 14,994 which consists of the Stretch Run (Grandstand), Clubhouse, Turf Club, Skyrooms, Luxury and Celebrity Suites and its five major restaurants. Here’s what DMTC President and COO Josh Rubinstein said on May 28th:
“We are delighted to be able to welcome our fans back to Del Mar. We appreciate their patience as we have all adapted to the changing circumstances over the last 15 months. We also appreciate the thoughtful guidance and cooperation we have received from the California Department of Public Health, the San Diego County Department of Public Health along with Dr. Ghazala Sharieff, Chief Medical Officer of Scripps Health, and her expert staff.”
At the time of Del Mar’s announcement they indicated that fans will be required to wear masks ‘extent when eating or drinking in designated areas’. That appears to no longer be the case–at least for vaccinated fans. No mention of masks were made in the Breeders’ Cup’s statement from earlier today though they did say that they would ‘ensure appropriate measures are in place to mitigate the risks associated with COVID-19.’ With so much time until race day it’s obvious that circumstances can change significantly between now and then but barring something unanticipated things are looking good.
In February–the usual ‘on sale’ date for Breeders’ Cup tickets–the announcement was made that the sale would be delayed until there was greater clarity on what the situation would be relative to the pandemic. On May 5, the on-sale date of July 16 was announced along with the first clear indication that fans would be allowed to attend in some fashion.
