Citing low attendance, Churchill Downs announced yesterday that its grandstand seating area will be closed weekdays for the rest of its spring meet. Attendance traditionally has been lower on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays than on weekends during the meet, said John Asher, vice president of racing communications at Churchill. The track is closed on Mondays, except for Memorial Day, and Tuesdays. Closing the grandstand should make operations more efficient, he said. Less staff will be used on those days, though it won't be a big cut in manpower, Asher said.
Fans paying general admission can use the first floor of the clubhouse at no extra charge.
The Paddock Pavilion, located behind the grandstand, also will be open with seating for about 450. Also, Gate 1 will be closed on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Churchill officials recommend using Gate 17, next to the paddock. The spring meet will run through July 8. There have been six horse deaths resulting from injuries during races in the past two weeks, including four in four days.