Walz Eases Restrictions; More Fans at Opener for Canterbury

Minnesota

SHAKOPEE, MN – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz today announced the largest easing of Covid restrictions since the pandemic began one year ago which will lead to more fans being able to attend the races when Canterbury Park opens on May 18.

According to Walz, major venues with capacity of over 500 can add additional guests come April 1 according to the following guidelines:

  • Seated outdoor venues can add 25% capacity with a limit of 10,000 (the number of fans expected at the Twins home opener):
  • Non-seated outdoor venues can add 15% of capacity, again with a 10,000 limit;
  • Seated indoor venues can go up 15% as well, but with a 3,000 cap;
  • Non seated indoor can add 11% capacity with a 1500 limit.

As anyone who has spent time at Canterbury knows, different areas around the track can fall into each of these categories. “Capacity” is a tricky measure as well.  The numbers can swing considerably with the card club, the Expo Center, if the Shire Square area is open to fans, if indoor and outdoor can be segregated, etc.  There is a lot to sort through before the final impact can be known.

According to Canterbury media relations manager, Jeff Maday, the track is doing just that – sorting through the guidance requirements and examining how they will affect the facility.

“However, what this does mean,” said Maday, “is that we will be allowed more spectators than last year and we can host other functions as well that allow us to bring more employees back to work.”

Given the pace of vaccinations, Walz in his presentation today stated that Minnesota is ahead of projections, there is clearly the possibility that restrictions could ease even more prior to the May 18 opening date.

Canterbury management is committed to staying flexible as guidance continues to unfold and working with the Governor’s office to determine specific requirements.  They plan on being able to react quickly to any new government requirements as they are released both before opening and throughout the summer meet.

Summer in Minnesota is one step closer to normal.

Related Posts: