NYRA/Coglianese Photo

NYRA to host Fan Appreciation Week at Saratoga Race Course

by Pat McKenna/Mark Bardack

Activities to include Saratoga premium giveaway sale, special BBQ-style package and savings on reserved seats

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will thank its fans with a series of special events, savings and offers during the final week of the 2018 season at Saratoga Race Course.

"Saratoga is home to among the most passionate fans in racing and we are proud to provide our guests with a series of special offers in their honor," said NYRA Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer Lynn LaRocca. "We encourage everyone to join us for Fan Appreciation Week which features outstanding racing and entertainment, and truly something for all."

Special offers on reserved seats and clubhouse boxes

Fans who purchase two premium reserved seats in The Stretch, or two reserved seats in the clubhouse or grandstand, will receive two complimentary seats when using promo code Buy2Get2. 

Ticket holders to The Stretch enjoy exclusive access to a full-service bar, kitchen and concessions, high-definition televisions and video screens, special events, and private restrooms. Guests also enjoy a relaxed dress code at The Stretch.

The reserved seat offer is available exclusively at Ticketmaster.com for the following dates: August 29, 30, and September 3. Offer not valid at the track box office or on previously purchased tickets and is subject to availability.

Guests will also enjoy a special offer on clubhouse box seats during the final week, starting at $200 per box (excluding September 1). Offer not valid on boxes at The Stretch. Fans may purchase tickets by calling (718) 659-3551.

Saratoga premium giveaway sale: Friday, August 31 

Fans will have a second chance to secure a favorite track giveaway during a premium giveaway sale at Saratoga Race Course on Friday, August 31. 

A selection of premium Saratoga giveaways from earlier this summer and from prior years will be available for purchase. The premium giveaway sale will get underway when gates open at 11 a.m. at the Grandstand Exchange. All giveaway items are based on availability, while supplies last. 

Previous giveaways from the 2018 season will be available for $5 per item. Giveaways from 2017 and earlier will be available for $2. 

Fans will be able to purchase the 2018 Saratoga baseball cap, presented by Saratoga Casino Hotel; the 2018 Saratoga umbrella; and the 2018 Saratoga blanket, presented by Upstate Ford Dealers. A variety of giveaways from 2017 and earlier will also be part of the selection.

BBQ-Style package available Labor Day Weekend

Fans can celebrate Labor Day weekend at Saratoga Race Course with a BBQ-style package beginning Friday, August 31 through Monday, September 3. The event, hosted Friday at the luxury suites and in the At the Rail Pavilion for the remainder of the weekend, is $45 for adults and $35 for kids 12 and under. Reservations can be made by calling the NYRA Box Office at 1-844-NYRA-TIX.

Saratoga windbreaker premium giveaway: Sunday, September 2

Fans can take home the final premium giveaway of the 2018 season - a Saratoga windbreaker on Sunday, September 2. The packable red and black windbreaker, featuring the Saratoga logo, will be available free with paid admission, while supplies last. 

Gates open at 10:30 a.m. with a special first post time of 12:30 p.m.

Season pass and season ticket plan holders are guaranteed to receive the premium Saratoga giveaway based on the following guidelines: Season pass or season ticket holders must be present at Saratoga Race Course; enter through the designated season ticket holder lines; and redeem the giveaway by no later than 3 p.m. Redemptions will begin when gates open to the general public at 10:30 a.m.

Special family 4-pack available plus back to school backpack giveaway  

Berkshire Bank Family Monday on September 3 will feature the special offer of a Family 4-Pack, which includes four grandstand reserved seats, admission, four hot dogs and four sodas for $44. The package is available for purchase by calling 1-844-NYRA-TIX. 

Additionally, the first 500 children, ages 12 and under, to visit the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion will receive a free drawstring bag filled with school supplies, courtesy of Berkshire Bank and Hannaford Supermarkets. Limit one per child, who must be present to receive. Berkshire Bank Family Mondays is held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday will feature a special first post time of 12:30 p.m. 

Special savings for Season Perks members

Saratoga Season Perks members will receive a number of additional exclusive offers during the final week (excluding September 1):

• 35 percent savings on dated merchandise, including 2018 Travers collectible items, at NYRA stores. Offer not valid on 2018 Saratoga premium giveaway items or for the premium giveaway sale on Friday, August 31.
• 10 percent savings at most on-track concession stands
• 10 percent savings at Shake Shack
• 10 percent savings at participating vendors in the Artist's Village

The above savings are available to Season Perks members who show their season pass or season perks card at participating on-track locations. Discounts do not apply to lottery, tobacco, alcohol, restaurant dining, group sales or Dunkin' Donuts.  

Special events and activities during Fan Appreciation Week

The Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion will host the following attractions during the week:

• College and Alumni Day on Wednesday, August 29
• Taste NY: Cider, Wine & Spirits on Thursday, August 30
• Taste NY: Craft Beer on Friday, August 31
• Fashion Saturdays on Saturday, September 1
• Taste NY: Food and Artisans on Sunday, September 2
• Berkshire Bank Family Monday on Monday, September 3

Fans can also enjoy Breakfast at Saratoga, presented by the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA). Breakfast at Saratoga welcomes guests to enjoy breakfast on The Porch of the Clubhouse at Saratoga Race Course while the thoroughbreds train on the main track. Breakfast is held daily from 7 to 9:30 a.m. and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Mornings at Saratoga welcome fans to go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tram tour, courtesy of CDTA. Tram tours begin at 7:30 a.m. and depart from the Clubhouse entrance approximately every 15 minutes through 9 a.m. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are 45 minutes in length. 

The 2018 season at historic Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 3. For additional details about Fan Appreciation Week activities at Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.