Saratoga Race Course will re-open to fans at near full capacity when the 2021 summer meet commences on July 15. Designated seating for unvaccinated patrons will also be available. Courtesy NYRA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSaratoga Race Course will re-open to fans at near full capacity when the 2021 summer meet commences on July 15. <\/span><\/p>\nIn order to re-open Saratoga Race Course to fans at near full percent capacity, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) will designate most sections for vaccinated fans only, including the popular Saratoga backyard. Officials said the policy aligns with current state guidance for large outdoor sports and entertainment venues, which allows for fully vaccinated sections to operate at full capacity without social distancing measures in place. <\/span><\/p>\nAlternatively, NYRA will designate a small number of hospitality and seating areas for non-vaccinated fans. Fans in these sections will be required to observe social distancing guidelines and to wear a face covering at all times during their day at Saratoga Race Course. <\/span><\/p>\nNYRA said all fans who show proof of vaccination through Excelsior Pass\u2013the state\u2019s free, fast, and verifiable way to present digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination\u2014on Opening Day, Thursday, July 15, will receive free grandstand general admission. Fans can also present alternate forms of proof of vaccination, including paper form such as their CDC COVID-19 vaccination record card, to redeem the free admission. <\/span><\/p>\nVisitors to the Saratoga Race Course who are under the age of 16 years old will be allowed to accompany fully vaccinated adults anywhere throughout the track. If not accompanying a fully vaccinated adult, they will be required to stay within the non-vaccinated areas, NYRA said.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThe historic Saratoga Race Course is one of the Capital Region\u2019s most storied attractions, drawing over a million New Yorkers and visitors to Saratoga Springs each summer,\u201d Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. \u201cThe racing season is quickly approaching, and this year we are excited to welcome fans back to the course with free admission on Opening Day for any individual who shows proof of vaccination. This is all part of New York\u2019s rebirth and resurgence as we continue to build back better and stronger from this pandemic.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nUnvaccinated NYRA personnel who interact with patrons will be subject to a diagnostic test prior to opening day and will be regularly tested thereafter. Unvaccinated NYRA personnel who do not interact with patrons will not be subject to a diagnostic test prior to opening day or after, however they will be required to wear masks and follow standard DOH and CDC social distancing rules.<\/span><\/p>\nThe 2021 summer meet at the Saratoga Race Course will run from July 15 through Sept. 6 and will feature 76 stakes worth $21.5 million in total purses. Tickets went on sale June 9.<\/span><\/p>\nExcelsior Pass, which is now being utilized by venues, universities, stadiums and businesses statewide, is a fast, free, and secure way to present digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results that\u2019s supporting New Yorkers building back better and safer. <\/span><\/p>\nInterested businesses and organizations can opt in and learn more here and download digital marketing assets here to help demonstrate to patrons and customers that their business accepts Excelsior Pass. New Yorkers can always present alternate forms of COVID-19 vaccination and negative test results, such as paper forms.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The following article in the June print edition is updated with the lifting of all COVID-19 Protocols. Updated Story Link: Saratoga Race Course to re-open at 100 percent capacity this summer Saratoga Race Course will re-open to fans at near full capacity when the 2021 summer meet commences on July 15. In order to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":89,"featured_media":36332,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-36331","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-news"],"yoast_head":"\r\n
Story Has Been Updated - *See Link Below* - NYRA: Seating Areas For Fully Vaccinated To Be At 100 Percent When Race Track Opens - Saratoga Business Journal<\/title>\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\t \r\n\t \r\n\t \r\n \r\n \r\n \n\t \n\t \n\t \r\n