How to snag a ticket to the Melbourne Cup

Thousands of punters will be allowed to attend the 2021 Melbourne Cup — here’s who will be allowed in and what rules will have to be followed.

The state government announced today that the Melbourne Cup would be permitted to host up to 10,000 fully vaccinated punters.

Here is what you need to know.

WHO IS ALLOWED TO COME?

The event is going to be accessible to fully-vaccinated people only.

You will be required to prove either your vaccination status or your medical exemption through QR codes.

In addition, in line with the government’s radius rules you must live within 25 kilometres of the Flemington Racecourse to attend.

Unfortunately, this does cut out regional fans who wanted to make the hike to the city.

HOW DO I GET A TICKET?

Members of the Victorian Racing Club (VRC) will receive priority access to the tickets.

As it stands, the VRC has around 30,000 members, so it is likely that the entire crowd will be made up of members only.

WHAT IF I’M NOT A MEMBER?

It is expected that a very limited number of tickets will be reserved for the general public, with no details given on when or how they will become available.

The VRC has not confirmed its plans on how the 10,000 spots will be distributed.

While the Spring Racing Carnival won’t be at full capacity, some fans will be allowed back. Picture: Jason Edwards

HOW WILL THE EVENT BE Covid-SAFE?

The Covid restrictions that Victorians are oh-so-familiar with will be strictly enforced.

All patrons must wear masks and will be separated into five different sections to minimise contact.

The zones will respectively hold around 2500 people, each with their own entry point.

WILL THERE BE FOOD AND DRINKS AVAILABLE AT THE RACECOURSE?

Catering will be available, but only in your selected zone.

Each section has a delegated area for the service of food and drink, all with allocated seating.

IF I CAN’T GET A TICKET, HOW DO I WATCH THE RACE? CAN I HAVE A CUP DAY PARTY?

Hosting friends and family in your house is dependent on whether Victoria has hit the 80% double-dosed target.

If the state has not reached that target, you will not be permitted to have visitors in your home – cutting out the option of a Cup Day party.

The ‘race that stops a nation’ will be televised on free-to-air and pubs and restaurants will, by this point, be able to host small groups of patrons to watch the race.

WHICH DAYS ARE OPEN FOR GUESTS?

At this stage, only Melbourne Cup Day will be open to patrons.

Derby day is a definite no, coming in on October 30.

However, Stakes day (November 6) and Oaks day (November 4) being open are contingent on Victoria’s vaccination rates.

If the state can hit 80% by November 4, crowds may be allowed on these race days.