Santa Anita to allow limited number of fans starting April 2

Santa Anita will begin hosting a limited audience on April 2.

The track announced Thursday that customers will be allowed to attend that day, but must make advance reservations. Walk-up or general admission tickets will not be sold, per California government guidelines for reopening outdoor sporting venues.

Track officials said Thursday that they are awaiting government advice on how many customers will be permitted to attend. Regulations in Los Angeles and Orange counties were recently relaxed to allow limited indoor dining and audiences of as much as 25 percent capacity at outdoor sporting events.

Los Alamitos in Orange County is scheduled to begin hosting small audiences in the outdoor portions of its venue beginning with the evening program on April 2. The track currently is open to the public for daytime simulcasting.

Neither track has had a general ontrack audience for live racing since early March 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The change in government policy also will benefit other sports in the state with outside venues, such as Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer.

In a statement, Santa Anita urged customers to register for additional information regarding the reopening at santaanita.com/open.

At Santa Anita, tickets will include a reserved seat, program, and parking. Fans must wear masks and follow social-distancing guidelines. Box seats, tables, and individual seats will be allotted with social-distancing protocols in place.

With the latest development, Santa Anita will be able to host a small audience for the Santa Anita Derby program on April 3.

Track officials said Thursday they are working on details of what amenities will be provided when the racetrack reopens.