2014 admission hikes for Belmont, Saratoga: GA $5, Clubhouse $8

[hoovesupsideyourhead]

Originally Posted by cmorioles

I have said I can understand Saratoga, but not Belmont. Saratoga is unique and there is a demand.

do you charge less for timeforms at belmont and aq?

[ranger5830]

I'm late to the party here, but coming from someone in CA who has always paid admission to get into the track, even the OTBs here charge admission, I understand that people don't like when prices go up, but as has already been stated, in 2014 $5 is not a huge charge, indeed Santa Anita has been at $5 for several years now.

Out here we have the thoroughbreds program, it's a card that you scan at the gate that gives you discounted admission, the more you go the less expensive it is, to ease the burden on the most valued customers, the guys that show up 3-4 days a week. Couldn't NYRA do the same thing, or do they already?

[ghartman02]

Somewhere, somehow racing needs a brand new business model. Like many of the comments, I remember going to Churchill in the 70's and it was $2 for the Grandstand and $5 for the clubhouse. Today it's the same. I haven't been in the past 2 years, but CD raised the price to $10 on their night cards, but they had a lot going on.
Attendance is down for a myriad of reasons. So here's my observations:
A day at the track is very long for the average person. Do we need 10, 11 race cards.
Customer Service at most tracks isn't the best. I've been all over and most tracks act as if you're in their way. I'm not a casino type, but the places I have visited the employees are so welcoming.
Concessions seem to be a sticking point. At the casino here in Cincinnati, they have several bars, and restaurants such as Margaritaville, Bobby Flay burgers etc. At Churchill Downs, I brought up the price of a drink and they're answer was other sports charge that. Racing isn't other sports. It's a gambling entity.
Women. Some tracks are so, shall we say in disrepair, and it's not a great place to take the wife or girlfriend.
In regards to Saratoga and Belmont. Both tracks to me are amazing. The racing is great, but Belmont is like a tomb. Saratoga is so awesome. I cheat when I go there though, I camp. It's a less expensive.
Bottom Line: If you increase admission, make sure there is value. Otherwise the economic situation won't improve in racing.

[MaTH716]

This has nothing to do with the argument, but Belmont is far from a tomb.

Carry-on.

[alysheba4]

Originally Posted by MaTH716

This has nothing to do with the argument, but Belmont is far from a tomb.

Carry-on.

.......yeah, it so so Big it does have a weird feel watching "live" but it is a legendary awesome place for sure.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by ghartman02

Somewhere, somehow racing needs a brand new business model. Like many of the comments, I remember going to Churchill in the 70's and it was $2 for the Grandstand and $5 for the clubhouse. Today it's the same. I haven't been in the past 2 years, but CD raised the price to $10 on their night cards, but they had a lot going on.
Attendance is down for a myriad of reasons. So here's my observations:
A day at the track is very long for the average person. Do we need 10, 11 race cards.
Customer Service at most tracks isn't the best. I've been all over and most tracks act as if you're in their way. I'm not a casino type, but the places I have visited the employees are so welcoming.
Concessions seem to be a sticking point. At the casino here in Cincinnati, they have several bars, and restaurants such as Margaritaville, Bobby Flay burgers etc. At Churchill Downs, I brought up the price of a drink and they're answer was other sports charge that. Racing isn't other sports. It's a gambling entity.
Women. Some tracks are so, shall we say in disrepair, and it's not a great place to take the wife or girlfriend.
In regards to Saratoga and Belmont. Both tracks to me are amazing. The racing is great, but Belmont is like a tomb. Saratoga is so awesome. I cheat when I go there though, I camp. It's a less expensive.
Bottom Line: If you increase admission, make sure there is value. Otherwise the economic situation won't improve in racing.

Funny how the feelings on Belmont are so varied. I think it is the most enjoyable, beautiful track in the country.

[booner]

Originally Posted by ranger5830

I'm late to the party here, but coming from someone in CA who has always paid admission to get into the track, even the OTBs here charge admission, I understand that people don't like when prices go up, but as has already been stated, in 2014 $5 is not a huge charge, indeed Santa Anita has been at $5 for several years now.

Out here we have the thoroughbreds program, it's a card that you scan at the gate that gives you discounted admission, the more you go the less expensive it is, to ease the burden on the most valued customers, the guys that show up 3-4 days a week. Couldn't NYRA do the same thing, or do they already?

I think that would help and create a sort of happy medium between horseplayers and management.

[cmorioles]

Originally Posted by hoovesupsideyourhead

do you charge less for timeforms at belmont and aq?

I have no idea how that applies, but I have no idea what we charge. I obviously don't pay. I also have no say, just like I doubt Andy Beyer is consulted on the price of DRF.


The defense of these price raises is the very reason bettors take it in the shorts constantly. We're an easy mark.