Emerald Downs Welcomes Fans Back On May 19 For 2021 Racing Season

AUBURN, WA — Emerald Downs is gearing up to welcome fans back to the track for the first time in more than a year. Tickets for the first race of the 2021 season, scheduled for May 19, will go on sale soon, along with nine other race days planned through June 17. Due to capacity limits, capped at 25 percent, fans are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets online. Walk-up tickets will be available if there is still room on the day of the race.

Visitors can expect several COVID-19 health and safety protocols in place, including face mask requirements, group seating separating by 6 feet, majority cashless purchases and more self-service wagering machines. Smoking will not be permitted until further notice, as masks are required at all times, except when eating or drinking.

Tickets will be slightly cheaper this year, with $10 including general admission and a race program, and $13 adding a reserved grandstand seat. Children 12 and under will need a ticket this year, to help the track account for capacity limits, with pricing from $5 to $8.

Generally, fans will not be required to complete health screenings or temperature checks, except to access the 5th and 6th floors. Anyone who is feeling ill is asked to stay home.

Here are a few other things to plan for:

• Face masks are required at all times for fans ages 2 and older, except when actively drinking or eating while seated. Masks are not permitted to be removed at any time while standing or walking throughout the track.
• No outside food or beverages permitted with the exception of a sealed 32 oz bottle of water or smaller per person.
• General admission bench and table seating is available throughout the track. All seating will be clearly marked to ensure 6-foot separation between groups. For reserved grandstand seats, social distancing protocols have been built into the ticketing system.
• All bars and concessions are cashless with the exception of Quick Pix on Floor 5. If you do not have a debit or credit card you may purchase a gift card at Customer Service on track level or Floor 5. You may also use Apple or Google Pay. Menus will be streamlined with food packaged and ready to expedite your time at the concession stands.

While no promotional events are currently planned, Emerald Downs hopes to add them as the season goes on. The track is also considering how to restore annual events like the July 3 fireworks and corgi races.

Learn more about attending a race, and find more answers to frequently asked questions on the Emerald Downs website.