Morphettville Venue Reopening Update

We’re pleased to advise you that from June 19, licensed venues will be able to host up to 75 people per room or outdoor area, with a total of up to 300 patrons allowed in a venue at any given time.

The SA Premier also announced that Stage Three is likely to commence on June 29, with the removal of all patron limits, provided venues adhere to the one person per four square metres rule.

 

These rules apply for indoor spaces at The Junction and Morphettville Racecourse. As yet, the Premier has not provided any detail on when Poker machine rooms will be allowed to open.  Gaming revenue has been an important part of the clubs revenue bases and we eagerly await direction from the Government.

 

The one person per four square metre rule means that the following room limits will apply at the Racecourse:

 

	Room Size	People
Diva Lounge	300	75
Diva Patio	350	87
Chairmans Room	220	55
Leilani	340	85
Phar Lap Room	1400	350
Level 1 – Adel Cup Room	1200	300
Upper Derby	900	225
Lower Derby	900	225
Total Indoor Capacity		1402

Room capacity aside, there are four guiding principles the club has developed to ensure a smooth re-opening process.  The principles are as follows:

 

• Re-opening the venue cannot be a loss making venture
• Members and industry stakeholders (owners etc) are the priority
• All people who enter the track must register before entering and purchase one of any of the three food and beverage packages on offer
• ALL Covid Safe principles must be adhered to ie social distancing, room capacities and current COVID 19 hygiene practices etc

 

Looking forward at the race schedule and the opening conditions set by the Government, the Racecourse will re-commence operation as follows:

 

• 4 July – Not Racing at Morphettville
• 11 July – Not Racing at Morphettville
• 18 July – Limited Private Dining Event for Owners and other Industry Stakeholders
• 25 July – Limited Private Dining Event for Club Members
• 1 August – Level 2 (Members Access Only) and Diva Bar & Patio open
• 8 August – Not Racing at Morphettville
• 15 August – Level 2 (Members Access Only), Diva Bar & Patio and Lawns open

 

Please note that Level 1 will not be open until the commencement of Spring Carnival in October.  Increased operating and cleaning demands required under Covid Safe policies place great financial risk on the club.  We will not place any undue financial burden on the Club during these difficult times.

 

For regular members/patrons in the 1873 Restaurant and Badge Bar the following changes have been made:

 

• All Members areas are now based on Level 2
• A Badge Bar has been set up on Level 2 that will host similar capacity to the space on Level 1
• Restaurant 1873 will retain a part of its current location and move predominantly in to the Chairmans Room

 

These changes are for the good of the Club as they minimise some of the financial strain caused by the 4 month venue shutdown. We will obviously review our position on a week by week basis to ensure we have a responsible and sustainable financial model during this historically quieter period on course.

 

Registered Attendance and Dining Packages – August and September Race Days

 

During our first two months of operation, all members and guests on course will be required to register their attendance before entering the facility.  This can be done on-line or via email.  A confirmation slip will be provided and must be carried with you on arrival on course.

 

Each person attending the races will be required to pre-commit to a dining package.  These packages will be:

 

$90 for 1873 Restaurant (Level 2)

• 3 course meal *choice
• Race book each

 

$35 for Pub Hub (Level 2)

• Choice of 3 mains TBC but likely Schnitzel, Curry or S&P Squid
• Drink on arrival

 

$20 for Light Lunch (Level 2)

• mixed sandwiches
• Drink on arrival

 

More details will be released closer to our re-opening.

 

Limited Private Dining Events –  July 18 and July 25

 

On discussions with industry leaders, the SAJC will provide two limited access events for industry stakeholders (18 July) and Members (25 July). Partnering with SAJC wine suppliers and showcasing the new Winter menus, these events will be capped at 75 people only.

 

The events are priced at $90.00 per head for a three course menu plus cash bar.  Bookings details regarding the event on July 18 will be communicated separately.

 

Private functions across all Race Days are available. Please contact Samara Rainsford on srainsford@sajc.com.au

 

General Admission Area

For those people interested in attending the races and do not wish to dine, the Club have identified two options for members, industry stakeholders and general admission patrons.  The Heritage Grandstand is under cover and offers amenities on the ground floor.  The Lawn area in front of the Heritage stand will also be available for those that want to get a little closer to the action.  Admission for members to these areas is free and $15 for General Admission patrons.

 

Diva Bar

The Diva Bar and Patio is currently be used by essential workers on race day.  Until the Government confirm further changes to their Covid Policy, the Diva Bar will remain as the base for these essential workers.  We are hopeful that with further easing of restrictions, the Diva Bar could offer members and guests a further option on race day.

 

Owners – Gerard Lawns

Those owners who do not wish to purchase sit-down dining will be provided with a designated area where they can watch their horses race and then leave the designated area and the racecourse to provide capacity for owners with horses in later races.

 

Owners must pre-register via membership@sajc.com.au before 5pm on the Friday before the Saturday race day.  On arrival at the track on Saturday, owners must attend the front office to be allocated a coloured wristband relevant to the race in which their horse is competing.  Owners with these wristbands must leave 10 minutes after their assigned race.

 

Car Parking

Since the commencement of the Covid 19 shutdown, the Members car park at the SAJC has been used by TRSA as an extension of the Float Carpark to keep inline with the social distancing regulations.  This is likely to stay in place until the Government removes all social distancing rules.

 

In the meantime, members and all guests returning to the track are encouraged to use The Junction car park on Anzac Highway.