Francesca Le Donne Photo

NYRA to host 2017 Fan Appreciation Week at Saratoga Race Course

by Pat Mckenna; Mark Bardack

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 2017 season at Saratoga Race Course.

"Saratoga Race Course is a special place for many reasons, first and foremost the world-class thoroughbred racing. Fans also are drawn to the history of this storied venue, which can be experienced through such attractions as the Saratoga Walk of Fame, Whitney Viewing Stand and Durkin Replay Center. In addition, we've invested significantly in new technology to further enhance the guest experience," said NYRA CEO and President Chris Kay. "We encourage our guests to join the many thousands who have already downloaded the NYRA XP mobile app where they can wager through NYRA Bets, stream live racing in HD through NYRA Now, and purchase tickets, parking, food and merchandise at the click of a button. We invite fans to experience all that Saratoga has to offer for one final time this season, and look forward to rewarding our guests with a number of special offers designed to celebrate an outstanding season."

Saratoga Giveaway Items

Fans who missed the season's previous premium giveaway days will have an opportunity to purchase the 2017 Saratoga baseball cap, short sleeve t-shirt and Saratoga cooler bag for $5 each beginning Wednesday, August 30 through Monday, September 4, while supplies last. Sales will take place at the Saratoga Silks store and at the kiosk located inside the main gate on Union Avenue inside Gate B.

Fans will also enjoy the final giveaway of the 2017 season, a Saratoga wall clock, presented by Foxwoods Resort Casino, on Sunday, September 3, free with paid admission, while supplies last. Season pass and season ticket plan holders are guaranteed a Saratoga premium giveaway item on the day of the giveaway contingent on the following: Season pass or season ticket plan holders must be in attendance at Saratoga Race Course, enter through the designated season ticket and pass holder lines and redeem the giveaway by 3 p.m. Redemptions will begin when gates open to the general public.

Special Offers and Savings for Season Perks Members

Saratoga Season Perks members, which include all season ticket and season pass holders, will receive a free, premium apparel item, a pullover featuring the Saratoga and NYRA Bets logos. The offer is available beginning Wednesday, August 30 through Saturday, September 2, while supplies last. To receive the item, Season Perks members must show their season perks card or season pass which will be scanned at the redemption area. Limit one item per account. Redemptions will take place near the Reserved Seat Box Office inside Gate A.

Saratoga Season Perks members will receive a number of additional exclusive offers, including:

• 35 percent savings on dated merchandise, including 2017 Travers collectible items, at NYRA stores. Offer is not valid on 2017 Saratoga premium giveaway items.
• 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 on the following dates: August 30 and 31; and September 1, 3 and 4. Discounts do not apply to lottery, tobacco, alcohol, restaurant dining, group sales or Dunkin' Donuts. 

Grandstand Reserved Seats and Clubhouse Boxes

Fans who purchase two grandstand reserved seats will receive a third seat for free when using the promo code BUY2GET1. Additionally, fans who purchase a reserved table in the Miller Lite Picnic Paddock or the Fourstardave Sports Bar will receive a second table for free when using the promo code TOGABOGO.

Both offers are available at Ticketmaster.com and are not valid on previously purchased tickets. Offers valid on August 30 and 31; and September 1, 3 and 4. Subject to availability.

Guests will also enjoy a special offer on clubhouse box seats during the final week, starting at $230 per box. Fans who purchase a five-seat box will receive either five complimentary race programs and a bottle of champagne; or five Saratoga collectible apparel items of their choice on select items. To purchase, call (718) 659-3551. Offer valid on August 30 and 31; and September 1, 3, and 4.

The final Monday of the meet, September 4, will feature the special offer of a Monday Family Fun 4-Pack including: four grandstand reserved seats (includes 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 Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion on Monday, September 4, will receive a free drawstring bag filled with school supplies, courtesy of Berkshire Bank and Hannaford Supermarkets. The black drawstring backpack, featuring the red Saratoga logo, will include a notebook, box of crayons, pencil, eraser, ruler, and glue stick. Also included in the backpack is a red Hannaford sandwich container. Limit one per child, who must be present to receive. Berkshire Bank Family Mondays is held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Special Events and Activities

Fans can celebrate Labor Day weekend at Saratoga Race Course with a traditional end of summer BBQ beginning Friday, September 1 through Monday, September 4. The BBQ, hosted in the At the Rail Pavilion, is $45 for adults and $35 for kids (12 and under) and includes admission and a program book. Reservations can be made by calling the NYRA Box Office at 1-844-NYRA-TIX.

The Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion will host the following additional attractions during the week:

• Italian-American Day on Wednesday, August 30
• Taste NY: Cider, Wine & Spirits on Thursday, August 31
• Taste NY: Craft Beer on Friday, September 1
• Taste NY: Food and Artisans on Saturday and Sunday, September 2 and 3

The 2017 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 4. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.