Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday that spectators will be able to visit horse races at 20 percent capacity starting next week.

It's a welcome announcement for the folks at Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs, as well as their fans.

"We've had people texting and emailing and calling, and people can't wait to get to the track, just to get out of the house and be back to the races, even a small capacity," said Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs Regional Racing Operations Manager Brett Risi.

Like most of these types of announcements, it comes with stipulations. Visitors must show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test or have completed the vaccination process. They also must follow the state's health and safety guidelines.

And in Saratoga, where the races draw about one million fans each summer, Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus questions what "capacity" really means.

"If it's 20 percent of just the grandstand fixed seats, that's less than 3,000 people on a property that can fit 50,000," Shimkus said. "But if it's the full capacity and 20 percent of that is 10,000 fans, that's a lot better. So we're waiting for the details to know if this is helpful or frankly, not."

Shimkus said there's a long way to go and wishes decisions were made on a more local level.

"What I think the failure of this, at this point is that they're doing a one-size-fits-all government-imposed control, as opposed to allowing the local county Department of Public Health to work with NYRA to figure out how to use the entire property safely," he said.

But whatever the rules, tracks are excited to bring fans back as soon as possible.

"Kentucky Derby is a huge target date for us, so we hope to have as many people on property as possible that day, but there is also a chance that people may need to make reservations at Vernon Downs moving forward, so keep an eye on the website," Risi said.

The new rules go into effect late next week.

Spectrum News reached out to other race tracks.

The president of Batavia Downs said they're encouraged by the announcement and will operate within state guidelines. Meanwhile, a representative for Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack said they don't have details to share right now, and they'll review the specific guidance when it comes out.