Churchill Downs considering 60% capacity in reserved seating for 2021 Kentucky Derby

[caption id="attachment_313816" align="alignnone" width="816"] Photo by Dr. Mike Huang[/caption] Don't expect Churchill Downs to be empty when the 147th Kentucky Derby runs on Saturday, May 1. After postponing the historic event in 2020 and ultimately running the race without fans on September 5, Churchill Downs is planning on expanding its capacity of reserved seating to 60% in 2021.

Churchill Downs President Mike Anderson said the historic venue is working on safety measures and protocols for the potential capacity increase following Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear's decision to increase indoor capacity of businesses such as bars and restaurants from 50% to 60% this week.

"With the governor's announcement (Monday), we've started to analyze how we can flex up and remain nimble for the weeks to come for any additional charges and restrictions as that might come out," Anderson said. "We'll continue to follow the guidelines for both local and state health agencies to make sure we are following all the COVID compliance.

"... Some of our spaces will be able to allow 50-60% easily," he continued. "Some other areas, like dining and box seats, are a little bit more complicated as we continue to maintain social distancing requirements." The venue previously announced it could likely accommodate as much as 50% capacity in reserved seating areas, adding that they would not sell general admission tickets or finalize a capacity on that front until closer to the Derby. At 50%, Churchill Downs said as many as 30,000 fans could be inside the venue for the event, meaning this announcement will ensure a larger number of total people. Back in February, the Courier Journal reported that Churchill Downs Inc.'s decision to hold last year's Kentucky Derby cost them over $120 million in revenue from the previous year. Will you be attending this year's Kentucky Derby?