SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association, Inc. announced Wednesday that it will invest $1.9 million at Saratoga Race Course for a series of capital improvements designed to enhance the customer experience during the 2014 summer meet.
The plans include the addition of hundreds of high-definition television sets throughout the facility, new high-definition large-screen video boards, an enhanced sound system, improved wireless capabilities, an increase in the number of picnic tables for the backyard, upgrades to the restrooms, and a new entertainment area for families that will include an expanded event tent.
“We want our guests to have a great experience when they come to Saratoga Race Course,” said NYRA CEO and President Chris Kay.“We appreciate this treasured venue and are investing in it for all horse racing fans who cherish their visit to Saratoga.”
The lineup of capital improvements planned for Saratoga Race Course this summer includes the following elements:
High-definition televisions: Approximately 750 new high-definition televisions, ranging in size from 19 to 70 inches, will be installed throughout the facility.Approximately 500 of the new televisions will be placed in the popular backyard area and in exterior grounds near the grandstand and clubhouse. The other 250 televisions will be installed within the interior of the grandstand and clubhouse, including all dining, bar and mutuel areas. Clubhouse box seats will also be equipped with new high-definition televisions.
Video walls: Large new video walls will be installed in three highly-populated grandstand areas – the paddock, the outdoor mutuel bay, and near the Carousel Restaurant – for enhanced, high-definition video display of races and other information.
Sound system: An enhanced sound system will allow for improved transmission of race calls, announcements, video programming, and winner’s circle events.
Picnic tables: An additional 125 picnic tables will be added in select areas of the backyard. Available to all guests at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis, the picnic tables have become popular party settings for families and friends during live racing.
Trakus: The high-tech system that enables television viewers to easily track their horse’s position throughout a race will be launched at Saratoga Race Course in 2014.
Event tent: Home to a number of on-track events, the event tent located inside the Reserved Seats Box Office entrance will be expanded to 40-by-70 feet and feature improved flooring and electricity.
Child-friendly entertainment: In addition to the many regular family fun activities, the highly popular playground area will be expanded so that kids have more room to play on the various pieces of equipment. Separately, the backyard will have a new, dedicated area where children can visit with and touch one of Saratoga’s outrider horses and learn about a horse’s daily routines and activities.
Wi-Fi: After monitoring areas of high density Wi-Fi usage on-track last year, capacity in high volume areas will be quadrupled for 2014 in order to improve service and minimize connectivity delays.
Restrooms: Restrooms at Saratoga Race Course will experience a number of renovations and upgrades, including new fixtures, mirrors, paint and more.
Outdoor dining: The popular Saratoga Porch dining area, open for breakfast and lunch, will be expanded to provide more tables offering a close-up view of the races.
