2020 Kentucky Derby Ends General Admission Tickets in COVID-19 Safety Plan

Churchill Downs has scaled back its expected capacity for the 2020 Kentucky Derby to fewer than 23,000 fans, according to the Associated Press. 

Based on the plan, no general admission or standing room only tickets would be sold.

The overall total represents a significant decrease from the Kentucky Derby's typical attendance. The 2019 installment brought 150,729 fans to Churchill Downs.

Churchill Downs president Kevin Flanery issued a statement on the Derby's official site:

"We will have fewer guests at this year's Derby as reducing the size of the crowd is an important step to ensuring a safe environment. Medical best practices and protocols – many of which we have applied in consultation with experts both inside and outside the sports industry – will be implemented, and we'll make adjustments all the way up to Derby Day as we find ways to improve and continue to adhere to ever-evolving best practices."

In addition to limiting the capacity, Churchill Downs is putting specific protocols in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. Fans will have temperature checks and fill out medical questionnaires. Social distancing and rules mandating face coverings will be in place as well. Fans will receive a disposable face mask upon arrival.

The Run for the Roses is traditionally the first leg in horse racing's Triple Crown. That changed after officials postponed this year's race until Sept. 5 because of the pandemic.

The Belmont Stakes got the 2020 Triple Crown underway in June, with Tiz the Law running away from the field at Belmont Park. Tiz the Law bolstered his bona fides with a victory in the Travers Stakes this past weekend.