6/19/2009, It was HOT!,,, It was HAPPENIN'! It was CHURCHILL DOWNS!!!!

[Gander]

I wonder why lights at Saratoga has never been tried? The weather is perfect, the crowds would be huge. It would shake things up a bit and be just the thing to bring in new fans. Attended Hollywood on Friday nights and its wonderful. Such a great mix of young and old, gamblers and casual fans, etc. Perfect transition into the nightlife (which Saratoga doesnt have much of, but hey its Upstate NY not Manhattan...we go to be early here).

Friday night would be the perfect night. They could have post time at 6pm and run half the races in the daylight and the half under the lights. Gates could open at 4pm with great Happy Hour Specials, providing an alternative for those people who are sick of Caroline Street. We need something else to do here at night...the harness track is just plain pathetic.

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by Gander

I wonder why lights at Saratoga has never been tried? The weather is perfect, the crowds would be huge. It would shake things up a bit and be just the thing to bring in new fans. Attended Hollywood on Friday nights and its wonderful. Such a great mix of young and old, gamblers and casual fans, etc. Perfect transition into the nightlife (which Saratoga doesnt have much of, but hey its Upstate NY not Manhattan...we go to be early here).

Friday night would be the perfect night. They could have post time at 6pm and run half the races in the daylight and the half under the lights. Gates could open at 4pm with great Happy Hour Specials, providing an alternative for those people who are sick of Caroline Street. We need something else to do here at night...the harness track is just plain pathetic.

These were the attendance figures for Fridays at Saratoga last year and note that the 8/8 program was cancelled because of weather. Remember also that the 1st and last Fridays had sunset post times. Do you really think the crowds will be that much bigger?

7/25: 20,626
8/1: 19,435
8/8: 12,928 (CANCELLED)
8/15: 20,098
8/22: 22,988
8/29: 18,195

NT

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by Gander

I wonder why lights at Saratoga has never been tried? The weather is perfect, the crowds would be huge. It would shake things up a bit and be just the thing to bring in new fans. Attended Hollywood on Friday nights and its wonderful. Such a great mix of young and old, gamblers and casual fans, etc. Perfect transition into the nightlife (which Saratoga doesnt have much of, but hey its Upstate NY not Manhattan...we go to be early here).

Friday night would be the perfect night. They could have post time at 6pm and run half the races in the daylight and the half under the lights. Gates could open at 4pm with great Happy Hour Specials, providing an alternative for those people who are sick of Caroline Street. We need something else to do here at night...the harness track is just plain pathetic.

When they first came out with the twilight concept a lot of the downtown businesses voiced concern over how it would affect them - plus you have the surrounding neighborhood to answer to.

There was a lot of opposition when they tried to host a concert after the season was over on the grounds.

[Travis Stone]

In simulcast dollar land night racing is way behind daytime racing in terms of volume.

[tiznowthegreat]

It was absolutely packed last night. Probably at least 40K people, maybe 50k. Parts of the track that are only open for derby and oaks were packed dlast night. There were so many different places to to see, a huge dance floor (where Chip Wooley was seen in his cowboy hat bobbin his head to snoop dog and lil jon), a beer garden, live bands, ect. The lighting was really cool around the paddock. Main problem is that at times the beer lines were 45 minutes long. Also, general parking filled, which never ever happens there.

[wac]

I was there as well last night and agree that it seemed like there were at least 40k there. lines for beer were at least 30 deep the entire time. i had to leave after the 8th race b/c it was just to crowded. When i got there i tried to buy a seat on the 3rd floor and was told that it was sold out which was stunning b/c that has never happened on a normal day. it was a festive atmosphere i dont know what the handle was but there were people everywhere and very hard to move around but all in all was fun.

[Left Bank]

http://www.drf.com/news/article/104852.html
The usual,no one betting,which is what they need.This happens at CBY all the time when they do "Gimmicks",people show up,but nobody bets.Huge lines for beer,but you can walk right up to a window.