Tampa Bay Downs Open for Business on Nov. 25
Monday, November 2, 2020

    Tampa Bay Downs kicks off its winter season on Wednesday, Nov. 25, and for the first time since mid-March spectators will be permitted to attend the races.

    The 90-day season runs through Sunday, May 2, the day after the Kentucky Derby, assuming the Derby is run on the first Saturday in May next year.

    There will be just three racing days in November - opening day, Friday the 27th and Saturday the 28th. After an in-and-out schedule in December, the January through April schedule features racing on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, except for April 4 (Easter Sunday).    

    During the season, all fans and media members, horsemen, track officials and employees will be required to wear masks or facial coverings inside and outside the facility, and practice social distancing. 

    Hand-sanitizing stations have been made prominent throughout; an air sterilizer and purification system has been installed to protect patrons; socially distanced markers have been placed on the floors; and disinfecting wipes will be provided next to wagering machines, replay TVs and high-touch machines. 

    In addition, the elevator capacity will be limited to four people; touchless door openers have been added to the restrooms; socially distanced seating will be employed in all areas throughout the grandstand and clubhouse, and plexiglass partitions between employees and customers will be installed at the customer service desk, the program and lottery windows and the gift shop.

    The biggest day on the calendar, as usual, is Festival Day 41 on Saturday, March 6, with five stakes races worth a combined $1 million in purse money, headed by the Gr. II, $400,000 Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby and the Gr. II, $225,000 Hillsborough Stakes for older fillies and mares on the grass. 

    Feb. 6 is Sam F. Davis Stakes day. with four stakes worth a combined $750,000. The Gr. II, $250,000 Sam F. Davis for 3-year-olds is a "Road to the Kentucky Derby" points race, as is the Tampa Bay Derby. 

    

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