Fourstardave Sports Bar, Reserved Tables in the backyard: Miller Lite Picnic Paddock at Saratoga Race Course on sale beginning May 10

by Pat McKenna and Mark Bardack

Travers Day reserved table reservations available via new seven-day flex plan

Fans may also enter drawing for reserved tables on Travers Day

The New York Racing Association, Inc. today announced that tables in the Fourstardave Sports Bar and in the backyard Miller Lite Picnic Paddock for the 2017 meet at Saratoga Race Course will go on sale to the general public beginning Wednesday, May 10 at 10 a.m. EST. 

The Miller Lite Picnic Paddock is the newly designated name for the section in the backyard at Saratoga Race Course where guests may reserve picnic tables. The backyard also includes approximately 950 tables available to guests at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Fans interested in securing a reserved table in either the Fourstardave Sports Bar or Miller Lite Picnic Paddock on Travers Day, Saturday, August 26, will have the opportunity to do so in two ways this year. Half of the inventory will be held for the all-new reserved table flex plan, which includes the convenience of a reserved table on seven dates of the fan’s choice, including Travers. The remaining half of the reserved tables on Travers Day will be assigned via lottery open to the general public.

As a convenience for fans in 2017, all reserved table reservations will include the cost of admission. Reserved seating options in the Fourstardave Sports Bar and Miller Lite Picnic Paddock for all dates other than Travers Day will be available for paid reservation through Ticketmaster.com or by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX. Season pass holders wishing to purchase a table without admission may call the NYRA Box Office.

Fans may take advantage of the Saratoga Virtual Venue seating map to digitally preview their table location in the Fourstardave Sports Bar before purchasing tickets. Reserved seating inventory is limited and subject to availability. 

Located within close proximity to the trackside apron, the Fourstardave Sports Bar includes more than 80 tables available for paid reservation and a sports bar which features an extensive craft beer selection, popular food vendors, and 60 flat-screen televisions. The hospitality space also provides protection from the elements. Configurations include options for up to six people, four people, and two-person tables. 

Two-person tables will be available for $30 on weekdays (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) and $40 on weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Four-person tables will be available for $60 on weekdays and $80 on weekends. Six-person tables will be available for $90 on weekdays and $120 on weekends. All prices include admission. Travers Day pricing listed separately (see below).

Personal coolers and outside food and beverage will not be permitted in the Fourstardave Sports Bar; on-track food and beverage is allowed. The Fourstardave Sports Bar opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. All ticket holders must present a ticket for a wristband upon entry. 

The Miller Lite Picnic Paddock is comprised of more than 100 picnic tables, which each seat up to six guests, located adjacent to the paddock and offering premier viewing of horses being saddled before a race. 

Reserved tables in the Miller Lite Picnic Paddock will be available for $60 on weekdays and $90 on weekends, including Fridays. All prices include admission. Travers Day pricing listed separately (see below).

Personal coolers are allowed in the reserved picnic area; coolers may contain plastic bottles or cans and are subject to search by NYRA security. Additional chairs, tents and umbrellas are prohibited. For a full list of prohibited items, visit NYRA.com. 

The reserved picnic area opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. All ticket holders must present a ticket for a wristband upon entry. 

Travers Day reserved tables to be made available through new flex plan and special drawing

New for 2017, fans can guarantee themselves a reserved table in the Fourstardave Sports Bar or Miller Lite Picnic Paddock to witness the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on Saturday, August 26 by purchasing a reserved table flex plan. The flex plan provides fans with the convenience of a reserved table upon arrival at Saratoga Race Course on seven days of their choice during the 2017 season, including Travers Day. Reserved table flex plans will be available for purchase through the NYRA Box Office by calling 844-NYRA-TIX. Reserved table flex plans are subject to availability. 

Additionally, a special drawing will be held for the general public interested in purchasing a reserved table for Travers Day. Half of the reserved table seating inventory on Travers Day will be assigned via the drawing. Individuals interested in the opportunity to purchase a reserved table in the Fourstardave Sports Bar or Miller Lite Picnic Paddock can enter the drawing through Additionally, a special drawing will be held for the general public interested in purchasing a reserved table for Travers Day. Half of the reserved table seating inventory on Travers Day will be assigned via the drawing. Individuals interested in the opportunity to purchase a reserved table in the Fourstardave Sports Bar or Miller Lite Picnic Paddock can enter the drawing through www.nyra.com/saratoga/tickets/travers-drawing beginning on May 10 through Wednesday, May 24 at 11:59 p.m.

Reserved tables in the Fourstardave Sports Bar and Miller Lite Picnic Paddock on Travers Day will be available only to fans who purchase a flex ticket plan, or are selected through the drawing. 

Fourstardave Sports Bar reservations on Travers Day will be available at $80 for two-person tables; $140 for four-person tables; and $180 for six-person tables. Miller Lite Picnic Paddock tables, which each seat six guests, will be available for $160 on Travers Day. All prices include admission. 

Season pass holders who are selected in the Travers drawing will not be charged individual admission for themselves or any guests in their party who provide proof of a season ticket plan or pass. 

There is a limit of one submission per person. Winners will be drawn at random from all entries and notified by phone at the conclusion of the drawing. Winners will have 48 hours to claim their table by contacting the NYRA Box Office by phone at 844-NYRA-TIX or via email at [email protected]. Individuals who do not contact the box office within 48 hours will forfeit their entry and a new name will be drawn from the applicant pool. Applicants who are not selected will not be contacted. 

Season ticket plans, season passes, weekly ticket plans, single-day reserved seats, dining and group hospitality are currently on sale and available for purchase through NYRA.com/Saratoga.

The summer racing season at Saratoga Race Course runs 40 days beginning Friday, July 21 through Labor Day, Monday, September 4. There is no racing at Saratoga on Tuesdays.