Tampa to allow spectators for 2020-21 meet

Tampa Bay Downs will permit spectators in attendance when the 2020-21 meet starts Nov. 25 at the Oldsmar, Fla., track.

Track officials have outlined pandemic-related protocols that spectators and horsemen will be required to follow. The meet runs through May 2.

“We believe it is important to listen to and respect all viewpoints, but our biggest duty is doing everything possible to keep our customers and employees healthy,” Tampa general manager Peter Berube said in a release. “Without fans at the track, racing loses some of its excitement and charm, and our ontrack business suffers.”

Tampa banned spectators when the pandemic began raging in mid-March, although the track continued to conduct racing beyond its scheduled closing day while most other North American tracks halted operations altogether.