It would be much funnier if it wasn't so sad. The whole thing is basically here's a problem....the solution? Fix it.

What is sort of interesting is the number of problems that are created by the state and the given solution is " change it ". No kidding.

Night racing CANNOT happen at the NY tracks but at least there is a move towards more twilight racing. The free passes thing is funny, especially as Chuck noted it is the State that took them away. Sadly there is no real solution to dwindling attendance, as the very thing that lowered attendance, widespread simulcasting and in-home wagering options, is what is keeping the game strong. The truth is attendance simply should not be a major concern.

It is in yuppie Chicago. Northwest Burbs. The problem with around here is that their is nothing to do outside in the summer. If Arlington were to have their Friday's at night, and continue with their 'party in the park', they would get 15,000 to 25,000 a night I bet. Their is essentially nothing to do at night close to us..

That's the first time anyone's ever told me I'm from the sticks, leave it to a guy from Brooklyn :D

I definitely agree. I can honestly say that I don't play NY tracks because of what I think is the insane takeout.

makes you wonder why they didn't just go with the original suggestion! i didn't think that having elections meant everything had to go back to 'start'. so much for seamless transition!

[quote=blackthroatedwind]It would be much funnier if it wasn't so sad. The whole thing is basically here's a problem....the solution? Fix it.

What is sort of interesting is the number of problems that are created by the state and the given solution is " change it ". No kidding.

Night racing CANNOT happen at the NY tracks but at least there is a move towards more twilight racing. The free passes thing is funny, especially as Chuck noted it is the State that took them away. Sadly there is no real solution to dwindling attendance, as the very thing that lowered attendance, widespread simulcasting and in-home wagering options, is what is keeping the game strong. The truth is attendance simply should not be a major concern.[/QUOTE]

you're right, it should not. so many point to lower attendance as an indication the sport is in decline, while ignoring the increased handle. it makes no sense to focus on the one, and ignore the other.

The Big A and Belmont are in the Sticks? I guess the Meadowlands is too?

Come on, the sticks should be reserved for places like like Penn National or Mountaineer, where you have to drive hours to get to a metropoltian area.

well ateam arlington isnt in the sticks, its near surrounding suburbs like elk grove, schaumburg,hoffman estates, palatine etc etc. overall a nice aream, some wannabe suburban gangstaz lol out there but again notta bad area

i think hawthorne needs night racing more scav as far as tbreds go. the main thing for arlington to attract more fans is just to drop the price of admission/ concessions

sticks as defined by Joey

Dude do you want to go into that neighborhood at night?

Awwww, I grew up in Elk Grove. I remember the night Arlington burned. Loved the old track ....

You could hop the Metra at Northwest Highway and Wilke by the track and go downtown. Lots to do there :)

I like the 3:00 pm posts on Friday. Gives me an excuse to take the afternoon off.

I think Arlington could get more people if they lowered the price of admission and food permanently, rather than just on Labor Day. Admission for a buck and hot dogs for a buck made for quite a crowd last Labor Day even with a wet track.

you mean 6-7 bucks to get in and another $9.50 for a slice of pizza and a pepsi are not good things???:rolleyes:

Dammit, I'm talking about the boonies in relativity, people! My point is that in order for night racing to work, you're going to have to attract people from outside of Queens, and I don't know anyone whose eyes light up at the thought of journeying out to Elmont or Ozone Park.

And yes, the Meadowlands is in the middle of nowhere. If the complex weren't there, why would anyone go to East Rutherford?

If Belmont is in the sticks then where in the world is Kentucky Downs?

In the woods.

Only if it comes with an Oscar nominated movie and a 'good' slice of pizza and maybe a container of nachos ;)

The pizza at Arlington is quite similar to plastic Little Caesars pizza, and the price of pizza will go up, because I believe the cost of that new Polytrack will be coming out of every average Joe's pocket at the food counter, as well as probably the cost of reserved seats and the cost of admission and the cost of parking closer to the facility. Would prefer to see the future additional costs we will be shelling out going to the people who work and live on site. They certainly could use it, and have certainly been deprived of better accommodations.

LOL Joey!

What insane takeout? It's lower than average on straight bets; about average on multiples; and slightly above average on P6 and exotics.