Breeders Cup attendance

RollerDoc · #1 10-27-2008, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

Do you really think Big Brown not running had a dramatic effect on the attendance?

Dramatically no, but I believe it was a combination of Big Brown not running (he upped the crowds at Belmont and the two Monmouths). He had a following. Even though they neither might not have won (him and Curlin), it was still something to hype for the race. Now they no longer could. I also believe Zenyatta being a story line but not racing in the main event didn't capture any interest. If 30,000 was the announced attendance, that reallt stinks. If it were at Churchill or Belmont, I'm sure it would have been much higher. I know I am convaluted but my real point is there was no compelling storyline to promote the race. Big Brown vs. Curlin could have only helped it. Even if they would have fallen short of the hype.

Danzig · #2 10-27-2008, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RollerDoc

Dramatically no, but I believe it was a combination of Big Brown not running (he upped the crowds at Belmont and the two Monmouths). He had a following. Even though they neither might not have won (him and Curlin), it was still something to hype for the race. Now they no longer could. I also believe Zenyatta being a story line but not racing in the main event didn't capture any interest. If 30,000 was the announced attendance, that reallt stinks. If it were at Churchill or Belmont, I'm sure it would have been much higher. I know I am convaluted but my real point is there was no compelling storyline to promote the race. Big Brown vs. Curlin could have only helped it. Even if they would have fallen short of the hype.

i believe final attendance they announced for saturday was just over 50k.

RollerDoc · #3 10-28-2008, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danzig

i believe final attendance they announced for saturday was just over 50k.

Thanks, That is a better number. Do you know how many were in attendance at Churchill a couple of years ago or sloppy Monmouth last year?

GBBob · #4 10-28-2008, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RollerDoc

Thanks, That is a better number. Do you know how many were in attendance at Churchill a couple of years ago or sloppy Monmouth last year?

Churchill was 70K plus and Monmouth was about 42K , I believe..both Saturday figs

RollerDoc · #5 10-28-2008, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GBBob

Churchill was 70K plus and Monmouth was about 42K , I believe..both Saturday figs

This does raise a point. Based on 50k this year and the attendance you quoted from the past two, isn't it fair to say that race fans (the overall base) are much more interested in attending a Belmont when a Triple Crown is at stake vs. an all star Breeders Cup event? Curious to hear anyones thoughts.

Danzig · #6 10-28-2008, 04:41 PM

i believe handle was the highest ever, wasn't it?

GBBob · #7 10-28-2008, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danzig

i believe handle was the highest ever, wasn't it?

Saturday was..$115 Mill I think..But 9 "Official" BC races TY, vs 8 LY and 7 at CD on Sat on '06..So handle should be higher

King Glorious · #8 10-28-2008, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danzig

i believe handle was the highest ever, wasn't it?

I don't know what the numbers are but I would expect it to be higher with the better weather and more races. I do know that I read somewhere that the increase in handle was not that much and that when it was broken down to average amount per race, it was lower this year.

ddthetide · #9 10-28-2008, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GBBob

Churchill was 70K plus and Monmouth was about 42K , I believe..both Saturday figs

how was the attendance on friday?

GBBob · #10 10-28-2008, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddthetide

how was the attendance on friday?

I don't remember the #, but if they had 25K at Monmouth, I'd be surprised.

ELA · #11 10-28-2008, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GBBob

I don't remember the #, but if they had 25K at Monmouth, I'd be surprised.

I don't remember the reported #, but I think they had more than 25k at Monmouth. I think they shot themselves in the foot with the way the facility and the event was handled (vis a vis "general admission", no apron, etc.). The weather should have been taken into consideration and the arrangements should have been changed. You had a lot of people "outside" in the back, by the paddock, up toward the grandstand, etc. and a lot of people in the building. Many of the outside seats weren't covered and of course the weather was a disaster.

Do you remember the reported # and/or how many tickets were sold?

Eric