With Opening Day at Saratoga Race Course less than two months away, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has a major announcement to make. On Wednesday, June 9, season and weekly ticket plans for the 2021 meet at Saratoga will go on sale as the Race Course prepares to reopen at near full capacity.
Get Ready for the Reopening of Saratoga Race Course
The 2021 meet at Saratoga Race Course will open on Thursday, July 15 and continue through Monday, September 6. In a press release from earlier today, May 27, NYRA announced that Saratoga Race Course will reopen at near full capacity, and most sections will be designated for vaccinated fans only, including the popular backyard picnic area.
In addition to the backyard, sections of the Race Course that will be reserved exclusively for vaccinated fans and operate at full capacity include the 1863 Club, The Stretch, Turf Terrace, Porch, Clubhouse, and most of the stadium seats in the Grandstand.
A limited number of seating areas will be available for non-vaccinated fans, but they must abide by social distancing guidelines, such as wearing a face covering at all times during their time at the racetrack. Non-vaccinated children under the age of 16 will be permitted in seating and hospitality areas designated for vaccinated fans if accompanied by a vaccinated adult.
Saratoga Ticket Plans Announced! What You Need to Know

On June 9 at 10:00am, season and weekly ticket plans, as well as season passes, will go on sale to the public. The season and weekly ticket plans are for the reserved seats in the Clubhouse, Grandstand, The Stretch, and Fourstardave Sports Bar.
Season passes are for vaccinated fans only and provide admission to all 40 days of the 2021 meet at Saratoga. These passes do not include reserved seating, are available by digital download only, and the cost is $50 for a Grandstand season pass and $75 for a Clubhouse season pass.
Individual tickets and tickets to other areas of Saratoga Race Course will go on sale at a later date. Single-day Grandstand general admission tickets will cost $7 and Clubhouse general admission will cost $10.
Walk-in admission will be available daily (does not include reserved seating), and fans must submit proof of vaccination by presenting the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or the New York State Excelsior Pass (digital). NYRA reserves the right to adjust admission protocols based on updates from the CDC and New York State.
Mark Your Calendar for Opening Day
As noted in the press release, Governor Cuomo announced that fans who show proof of vaccination via the New York State Excelsior Pass on Opening Day, July 15, will receive free Grandstand admission. If you’re from outside New York State, then you can show your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card instead.
The 40-day summer meet at Saratoga is shaping up to be another exciting one featuring 76 stakes worth $21.5 million in total purses.
Are you ready to watch the races at Saratoga this summer?