The New York Racing Association announced Oct. 28 that Aqueduct Racetrack will re-open to the public on Thursday, Nov. 11, opening day of the 2021 fall meet.
Originally closed to fans during the height of the COVID-19 emergency in March of 2020, Aqueduct then became the site of a New York State mass vaccination center in January 2021.
The vaccination center, which has distributed more than 300,000 COVID-19 inoculations to date, was a critical piece in the New York State-led effort to quickly and efficiently vaccinate New Yorkers. The size and scope of the center, which occupied the entirety of Aqueduct's first floor, required the continued closure of the facility to the general public.
"We are proud to have partnered with New York State so that so many New Yorkers had easy access to these incredibly important vaccines," said NYRA president and CEO Dave O'Rourke. "NYRA would also like to thank our loyal fans for their patience as we worked to bring them back to the Big A. Aqueduct is New York City's racetrack, and we couldn't be happier to finally be able to open the doors once again on Nov. 11."
While the vaccination center will remain in operation, its footprint will be reduced and consolidated. Appointments are optional and walk-ins are currently being accommodated for COVID-19 vaccinations at Aqueduct. Additional information and details on eligibility for booster doses is available online.
New York City has established strict vaccine requirements for nearly all indoor settings. Proof of vaccination is currently required to enter indoor entertainment venues, sports arenas, restaurants, movie theaters, music and concert venues, museums, aquariums and zoos, convention centers, exhibition halls, hotel meeting, and event spaces, performing arts theaters, bowling alleys, arcades and a host of other settings.
This vaccine requirement is inclusive of fans, employees, vendors, and anyone else who physically enters the venue. Accordingly, and in compliance with New York City law, anyone seeking to enter Aqueduct Racetrack must show proof of vaccination in order to gain admittance.
This program, called the Key to NYC, prohibits NYRA from allowing entrance to Aqueduct to anyone over the age of 12 who cannot demonstrate proof that the individual has received at least one dose of a vaccine. NYRA will accept the CDC vaccination card and the New York State Excelsior pass as proof of vaccination.
NYRA previously announced that the Belmont fall meet, originally scheduled to conclude on Oct. 31, will be extended to include three additional dates from Friday, Nov. 5 through Sunday, Nov. 7. These dates were originally scheduled to be run at Aqueduct Racetrack as opening weekend of the Aqueduct fall meet. As a result, the 15-day Aqueduct fall meet will now begin on Thursday, Nov. 11 and continue through Sunday, Dec. 5.
Admission to Aqueduct, which will be open to the public on live race days only, is free of charge. The gates will open daily at 11 a.m. First post during the Aqueduct fall meet is 12:30 p.m.
Fans visiting Aqueduct should use the clubhouse entrance to provide the required proof of vaccination. Preferred parking will be $10 daily in the Clubhouse lot and general parking with be in the Conduit lot. All parking fees must be paid via credit card.
