Meadowlands: Hambletonian Day attendance and dining to be limited
The 95th Hambletonian on Saturday, August 8th will look very different on-track in 2020 due to COVID-19. Due to limited attendance capacities and COVID protocols, onsite attendance is limited to horsemen dining on the West Deck and guests dining in the Backyard. There will be no reserved seats sold this year for the Hambletonian.
The Clubhouse entrance will be open for those dining on the West Deck, in the Backyard or betting in the FanDuel Sportsbook.
Guests must make dining reservations for track admittance and guaranteed seating. All must wear face coverings while not at their table, have their temperature checked and complete a brief health questionnaire. No one with a temperature exceeding 100.4 will be allowed to enter. All are also encouraged to download and fill out the required the health questionnaire (available here) to speed up the check-in process. There is no valet parking available.
The Backyard BBQ & Grill is open for dining with waitress & take-out service. Reservations for Backyard dining can be made by emailing Jennifer Jordan at jjordan@arkrestuarants.com
Horse owners racing on Hambletonian day can dine on the West Deck. It has a $49.95 pre fixe menu. Reservations are required for the West Deck and dining must be prepaid. Reservations can be made by calling Marianne Rotella at 201-842-5059 or emailing mrotella@playmeadowlands.com.
To adhere to all COVID-19 protocols the Meadowlands has implemented the following measures:
- All guest seating has been 6 ft social distanced
- Hand sanitizer has been placed throughout the grandstand
- All high touch surfaces will be frequently wiped down throughout the day including all self-service machines, door handles and counter-tops
- No food or beverage is permitted inside the grandstand. Guests are able to order from a waitress and eat and drink outside on the apron tables.
- Smoking is only permitted on the outdoor apron
Can't make it to the Hambletonian? The entire stakes filled race card will be streamed live on the Meadowlands Racetrack's Facebook page and brand new designs as well as vintage Hambo merchandise is available for sale on hambletonianshop.com.
CBS Sports Network, the 24-hour home of CBS Sports, will present a delayed 60-minute broadcast of the $1 million Hambletonian and $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks from The Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford, N.J., on Sat., Aug. 8, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. [EDT] Both races have scheduled eliminations the week before on Sat., Aug. 1. The Hambletonian is the first and most prestigious leg of the Trotting Triple Crown. CBS Sports Network has been the broadcast home of the Hambletonian since 2012.
All updated racing and dining information can be found at PlayMeadowlands.com.
-edited release (Meadowlands)