The 2021 Covid Derby

If you’re looking forward to the Kentucky Derby in May, you’ll be glad to know that the first date is set to be the historic one! After COVID-19 forced the race to be postponed last year, the Derby is finally coming back on its historic date. The Derby will be held on the first Saturday of May. Churchill Downs anticipates that there will be as many as 150,000 spectators under the Twin Spires.

All-inclusive food options will be available to those who have reserved seats, while those who have infield tickets will only be offered concessions. Depending on the section you choose, infield seats will cost between $65 to $85. Infield seats will not be permitted onto the infield. However, they will be allowed to pass through a tunnel into a paddock. The outside seating will be cleaned by drones. Pittsburgh-based AERAS was responsible for last year’s drones. It claimed credit for creating fewer than 10 COVID cases.

In a bid to prevent the spread of the disease, officials at Churchill Downs are optimistic about a $400 million Derby season. The race itself brought 300,000 spectators to Louisville and the surrounding region, with the event generating an estimated $400 million in economic impact. After the pandemic, the 146th Kentucky Derby will resume normal operations in 2022. This year’s Derby will be held on the first Saturday of May, and officials hope it will be just as successful.