Canterbury Park’s 65-day racing season to start May 18
Canterbury Park in Shakopee reopened for horse racing on Wednesday. The track was closed since the middle of March because of the COVID-19 pandemic and is taking new safety measures.[KSTP Sports]
With COVID-19 restrictions easing in Minnesota, Canterbury Park is gearing up for a more traditional racing season.
Canterbury’s 65-day horse racing season will start Tuesday and run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m. as well as Sundays at 1 p.m. from May 30 through Sept. 16.
While capacity will be limited to 2,500 people in May, it will increase starting next month.
"We are thrilled to be racing and to have more fans in the stands," Canterbury Park President Randy Sampson said, adding that the loosening of restrictions is welcomed but more sudden than expected. "Our priority is to provide the quality guest experience that we are known for. To do that we will start with 2,500 guests and increase capacity in a responsible and safe way as we onboard more employees. I expect to welcome in excess of 7,500 to 10,000 guests as the summer progresses."
Canterbury said it is working to get its staffing to the necessary levels.
Other popular racing days, such as corgi races, "Extreme Day" and fireworks displays will be added to the schedule throughout the summer, too.
"Many of our most popular race-day events were just not operationally and financially feasible without knowing how many guests would be allowed," Vice President of Marketing John Groen said. "We can now schedule those events that bring so much enjoyment to our fans."
More details are available online.