HRFLA Staff Report
Gulfstream Park announced on Friday that it has reduced and in some cases ended many of its COVID-19 protocols and restrictions, effective immediately.
Meanwhile, Gulfstream is preparing to replace the outer part of its turf course with a synthetic Tapeta racing surface.
Gulfstream will continue to have a turf course and a dirt track, which will remain its main track.
As it makes that change, Gulfstream beginning June 7 will have a Friday through Sunday schedule of live racing for approximately three months. It will then resume a Thursday through Sunday schedule.
In regard to spectators. Gulfstream in Hallandale Beach, Fla., is basically open again for regular business.
NOTE–The home page photo, by Barry Unterbrink, shows fans at Gulfstream Park on April 2, 2017 which was Florida Derby Day and estimated attendance was more than 15,000. No fans were allowed at Gulfstream on Florida Derby day last year, and the crowd was limited to about 2,000 this year.
Post COVID Changes
Gulfstream instituted strict COVID protocols in March of 2020 for the health and safety of its employees, guests, and horsemen.
Gulfstream began loosening some restrictions late last year. In recent months, it had been limiting attendance to about 2,000 per day.
Other changes in protocols that began this weekend include: the removal of most barriers and temporary plexiglass; no temperature checks at entrances; and families with small children once again being welcomed to watch racing.
Guests will still be required indoors to wear face coverings and practice social distancing.
Seats inside the Silks simulcast area will remain free to Gold-and-up XBRewards members. Any remaining seats will be sold on a first-come basis. Those who have purchased seats to areas now open will have their seats reserved and payment refunded.
More information can be found on the Gulfstream Park Web site or by calling the Gulfstream box office at (954) 457-6201.
