Closed Over a Year, Santa Anita Welcomes Back Fans Friday

Santa Anita Park in Arcadia will reopen to the public Friday, a little more than a year after closing due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are extremely excited to welcome back our racing fans to Santa Anita, just in time for the Santa Anita Derby,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita’s senior vice president and general manager. “It hasn’t been the same without the people who are so important to this sport. While the current restrictions are going to limit the size of the crowds, we are working hard to provide a memorable experience for our guests and to thank them for their support.”

Santa Anita’s opening comes one day before the 84th running of the Runhappy Santa Anita Derby Day, one of the highlights of the track’s annual calendar,  which will see the reopening of Santa Anita’s spacious infield.

“Bring Your Own Seat”  Admission to the Infield, which is accessible via Gate 6 off of Colorado Place on the track’s northern perimeter, is $5.  “Bring Your Own Seat” Admission includes parking and a racing program.

As in years past, Infield ticket holders are welcome to bring lawn chairs and coolers and are advised to please consider bringing sunscreen as shade will not be provided.  Each pod or household group will be required to set up at least 10 feet away from other pods to ensure proper social distancing.  Limited food and beverage service will be available.

Picnic Reserved Seating will also be available this weekend.  Located on the west end of the Infield, Santa Anita’s Picnic Circles offer fans shade, televisions and private gardens from which to enjoy the races.

 Picnic Circle tickets are available at santaanita.com/open for $10, which guarantees a reserved seat in the shade, a racing program and self-parking in the North Lot via Gate 6.

Picnic Circle tickets may be purchased in quantities of three to six and ticket holders may bring their own food and beverage, with the exception of alcohol and glass containers

Attendance will be limited to 20% in accordance with local health orders, and fans must purchase tickets in advance. Tickets must be purchased in “pods” of two, four or six seats. No individual tickets are being sold. 

All tickets must be purchased in advance at santaanita.com/open.  Tickets may be purchased in quantities of one to six and ticket holders are welcome to bring their food and beverage, with the exception of alcohol and glass containers.

The track closed to the public last March 27, but like other California racetracks it has continued to hold races without fans in attendance.

More information on Santa Anita can be found at www.santaanita.com.