NYRA solicits feedback on capital improvement projects for
Saratoga
The New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced on Thursday a menu
The project menu includes major improvements, upgrades and
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“NYRA is deeply committed to preserving the historic fabric of
Saratoga Race Course while implementing a capital improvement strategy
that will allow Saratoga to grow and flourish for years to come,” NYRA
President and CEO Charles Hayward explained. “This menu of potential
projects is designed to generate feedback from the public in order to
incorporate the needs and wants of every Saratoga stakeholder, including
the fans, horsemen, and general community.”
The menu of projects will be introduced to the public during a community forum at
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“The projects we choose to undertake will not be determined unilaterally. We
recognize that part of what makes Saratoga Race Course so special is its deep
integration and embracement by the community. All of us at NYRA truly look
forward to hearing from the public as we prepare to make essential and
intelligent changes to bolster the fan experience and to secure the future of
Saratoga,” Hayward said. “The only project not up for public debate is the
much-needed improvements to the dormitories and facilities along the
backstretch.”
Funding for the capital improvement projects will come from revenue generated
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Saratoga was identified as the initial focus for upgrades and enhancements
based on need. The layout of Saratoga provides more flexibility in managing
renovations on a project-by-project basis and the ability to apply capital
efficiently to increase revenue. While there has not been an overarching
strategy for renovations at the track since the Jockey Club Plan in 1956, the
property has undergone a series of gradual changes, including the extension of
the grandstand in 1965, the construction of the carousel in the late 1980s, and
the completion of the new entrance gates and jockey house complex in 2000.
An extensive historical analysis and studies of the backstretch and frontside
The projects are listed in detail at
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The complete menu appears below in alphabetical order:
Frontside Projects
winner’s circle including re-pavement and pitching of apron to improve
sightlines. Additionally, the steps leading to the Clubhouse and Grandstand
would be rebuilt to include up to six box seats on each unit.
hospitality building to replace the current At The Rail tent and the luxury
suites on the Clubhouse turn. The three-story building would include a
500-seat hospitality room on the ground level, 12 suites on the second level
with capacity for 20 people, and three to six party suites on the top floor
with capacity for 20-50. The building would include viewing patios to the
track, paddock and horse path.
space for patrons to enjoy. This would allow more room that could be used
for promotional activities and casual hospitality offerings. The expansion
would include a pedestrian path from the National Museum of Racing and Hall
of Fame. In order to facilitate this expansion, approximately half of the
parking area contained within the Union Avenue gate would be relocated.
additional open space and improved flow throughout the area for patrons. The
project would include general improvements and repairs to all landscaping,
including drainage and grading and an assessment of all barriers, fences and
horse rails.
serves as the jockey house and executive administration building to include
a player’s club for high-wagering activity customers, a restaurant on the
ground level and a lounge on the second floor.
Clubhouse, including renovations to the restrooms, dining porch, judges’
area, press box and the Turf Terrace Restaurant. The renovations would also
include new fire stairs installed on all three levels and new elevator cores
on all three levels to expand service, as well as new restrooms and box
seats. Additionally, Clubhouse refurbishments would add a new hospitality
club room for box seat-holders and a new bistro on the ground level at the
west end.
Grandstand, including a new Restaurant Row hospitality area on the ground
floor of the Carousel and a new sports bar and simulcasting venue on the
second floor of the Carousel. Additionally, there would be new restrooms,
stairs, escalators and mutuel bays.
that now serves as the paddock mutuel building and racing office. Two long
islands of mutuel bays would bookend a champagne bar beneath a newly
renovated roof. The racing office would be relocated.
Avenue located at the northwest corner of the backyard, close to the Big Red
Spring.
saddling stalls, horse paths, walking ring and racing offices. The current
saddling shed would be rebuilt into a two-story building with saddling
stalls, the jockey silks room, racing offices and a medical facility on the
ground floor; and the jockey’s room and a porch on the second floor.
Additionally, the paddock would be redesigned to provide better flow and an
improved viewing perspective for fans.
main building complex east of the Clubhouse gate entrance on Wright Street
and inside of Nelson Avenue. A permanent kitchen structure would simplify
catering service to the restaurants on track and enhance food quality. This
area could also serve as a broadcasting home to television trucks and
potentially include additional administrative space.
the Stretch. The three-story structure would include a terraced patio and
bar on the ground floor, enclosed dining and a balcony on the second floor,
and an open air bar and balcony on the third floor.
Clubhouse entrance with landscape improvements and the creation of a more
spacious and accommodating entrance area. Additional handicapped access
would be included.
Backstretch Projects
dormitories to provide enhanced living arrangements for workers.
and structures where needed.
landscaping including re-landscaping the equine areas to create an improved
separation between vehicles and horses.
historic assets in the backstretch, including the Horse Haven area,
Fasig-Tipton barns and additional barns and residences.
facilities for backstretch employees.
population and, in turn, field sizes.
area, including a new entrance and viewing stands for the public and for
horsemen, and the relocation of main offices and workshops.
to the backstretch areas.