The total attendance for the week is still expected to pass 200,000 but will be signifcantly down on the record 280,000 that attended the first post-Covid meeting open to spectators in 2022.
In September, Festival organisers announced changes aimed at improving competition in races and the experience of racegoers.
A new park-and-ride system, additional coaches and extra hardstanding areas at the course for car parking have been introduced.
Cheltenham have frozen ticket prices, increased food and drink options and is exploring new accommodation deals.
Advance tickets ranged from £37 to £86 for each of the first three days, rising to between £53 and £102 for Cheltenham Gold Cup day on Friday, with prices on the day more expensive. A pint of Guinness at the course is up 30p to £7.80 this year.
“We will define success this week and beyond by whether we are delivering unforgettable days out for our customers and improving the experience for everyone in attendance and watching on at home,” said Lavender in his open letter.
“We will be listening to all the feedback we receive from this year’s festival and already have plenty of time set aside in the summer to begin the process of reviewing, resetting and rebuilding for the years ahead,”
General admission for Gold Cup day has sold out, with nearly 70,000 expected at the Gloucestershire track.
Leave a Reply