For most horse racing fans, returning to Saratoga Race Course does not require a refresher course.
Even though nearly two years—or more—may have passed since they last stepped foot on the cherished grounds of the historic racetrack, there are no doubt some joyous images from past trips to the Spa that cannot be erased and are burned into their heart and memory.
Beginning July 15, the Spa's glorious past will once again come to life when it opens for its 153rd and most eagerly awaited season. After the 2020 meet was reduced to just a limited number of licensed owners restricted to areas around the paddock and apron, the Spa will be in full bloom with COVID-19 restrictions lifted and the scene mirroring 2019 and the days before social distancing became a part of everyday life.
Once again, the box seats and grandstand seating will be filled. The backyard will be jammed. The air-conditioned, trackside 1863 Club will be bustling for its delayed second year of offering dining and hospitality. The rest of the iconic track's restaurants, concession stands, and food trucks will have the cobwebs dusted off and re-open from a long slumber.
Forty days of spectacular racing are on tap.
There will also be two new areas in which to spend a day at the Spa, and an addition to a popular new venue.
The 2021 meet will see the unveiling of the Spa Verandas at the Top of the Stretch and Tailgate at the Turn plus an enlarging of The Stretch, a popular section situated at the end of the grandstand that opened in 2018.
"All of these additions and new areas are investments in the future of Saratoga Race Course," said Kevin Quinn, NYRA's vice president for sales and hospitality. "When we make these capital improvements we are doing it to ensure the success of Saratoga. We try to listen to our fans and come up with offerings that maintain the tradition while giving them something they have been missing. We're continually trying to improve and invest in the future."
While some fans will rejoice over the removal of the paddock tent in the backyard, which will open up more space around the paddock, the new additions are already proving to be a hit with fans. Though COVID-19 restrictions delayed the offering of Saratoga ticketing for the Thursday through Sept. 6 meet until June 9, there has been a tremendous frenzy since then, gobbling up seating and dining, both new and old.
"There's a lot of energy. I think people are looking forward to getting back to the track," Quinn said. "We have heard from so many ticket holders who missed it and can't wait to get back there. We had a condensed sales schedule and everything sold in a short time frame, but the response was unprecedented in my six years here."
The Spa Verandas were constructed in the area near the quarter pole where the Top of the Stretch picnic area had been located. It consists of six areas that accommodate up to 45 people each and provides a partially covered lounge area with seating, television monitors, and access to betting machines as well as a private area in front of it with picnic tables where patrons can watch races from the grandstand railing.
"The Verandas addressed a need since we lacked a trackside private area for someone to book a social event or a bachelor/bachelorette party and have some cover. It has lounge furniture. People can get a bar package and have a bartender, and have food platters brought in," Quinn said. "It seems to be popular with groups that want something private but is more casual. It will be protected from inclement weather or you won't bake in the sun. It provides a great view of the track and goes along with what we have done at Belmont Park by expanding the top of the stretch picnic area for groups. You can't beat the perspective you get of the races."
Pricing begins at $1,125 on weekdays for a group of 45 and rises to at least $1,575 for a Saturday. Like all venues at Saratoga, availability on the weekend is limited.
The Tailgate at the Turn area brings the concept of tailgating at rural jump racing tracks to Victorian Saratoga. Located next to the 1863 Club on the clubhouse turn, it has 17 parking spots for carloads of up to six people who can bring in coolers and food and spend the day watching the races from a picnic table with a close-up view of the races.
Adjacent to the parking spots is a tent with a cash bar, television monitors, and betting windows.
According to NYRA president and CEO Dave O'Rourke, the Tailgate at the Turn concept was suggested by senior vice president of operations and capital projects Glen Kozak.
"It was a little-used area adjacent to a parking area and now it will give people another option if you want to have a tailgating experience like at Far Hills," O'Rourke said.
Ticket prices start at $25 per person.
When NYRA constructed The Stretch dining and hospitality area about 50 years had passed since the last time a new area was constructed in the venerable grandstand. After two successful seasons in 2018 and 2019, the demand from customers prompted NYRA to expand and extend it into Section T of the grandstand.
An additional 15 lounge seating areas were created, creating more space for patrons to enjoy the venue, which includes several seating options and a large private area where ticket holders can make use of a bar, kitchen, betting windows, and other amenities.
"When we built The Stretch it was an area that was only filled on weekends so we felt we could breathe new life into that area and reimagine it by renovating it," Quinn said. "It's become a social experience because you are not tied to one seat. You can get up and walk around. The lounge boxes very popular so we said, 'Why not expand it?'"
The Stretch has daily, weekly, and season seating plans.
Together, the mix of the old and new promises to make the reacquainting of fans and the Spa an even more lively experience.
"One thing we like to say is that Saratoga keeps evolving," O'Rourke said. "It's such a unique track that offers something great for everyone, from the high-end areas to the picnic tables in the backyard."
