NYRA to host Fan Appreciation Week at Saratoga Race Course

by Pat McKenna and Mark Bardack

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will thank its fans with a series of special events, discounts and offers during closing week of the 2016 season at Saratoga Race Course.

"Saratoga Race Course is a special place for many reasons, from the world-class thoroughbred racing to the outstanding entertainment to our passionate fans who support this great sport each summer," said NYRA CEO and President Chris Kay. "The 2016 meet has been outstanding on many levels, and we look forward to a strong finish while rewarding our guests with a number of discounts and special offers as we say thanks to the most enthusiastic, knowledgeable and dedicated fans in thoroughbred racing."

Fans will enjoy a 20 percent discount on grandstand reserved seats when using the promo code TOGA20, valid weekdays through Labor Day. Offer available at Ticketmaster.com and not valid on previously purchased tickets.

Saratoga Season Perks members will receive a number of additional exclusive offers beginning Monday, August 29 through Labor Day, Monday, September 5, including:

• 35 percent discount on dated merchandise, including 2016 Travers collectible items, at NYRA stores
• 10 percent discount at most on-track concession stands
• 10 percent discount at Shake Shack
• 10 percent discount at participating vendors in the Artist's Village

The above discounts are available to season pass and season ticket plan holders 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. For a complete list of participating Saratoga Season Perks partners, visit SaratogaSeasonPerks.com.

Beginning on Wednesday, August 31 through Monday, September 5, NYRA will host an end of summer BBQ in the At the Rail Pavilion. The buffet lunch will feature menu items inspired by some of the region's most popular restaurateurs. The BBQ 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 final two Mondays of the meet (Aug. 29 and Sept. 5) will feature the special offer of a Family Monday 4-Pack: four grandstand reserved seats (includes admission); four hotdogs and four sodas for $44. The package is available for purchase by calling 1-844-NYRA-TIX.

The first 500 children, ages 12 and under, to visit the Saratoga Pavilion for Berkshire Bank Family Mondays on August 29 and September 5 will each receive a free drawstring bag filled with school supplies, courtesy of Berkshire Bank and Pediatric Dental Group of New York. The black drawstring backpack featuring the red Saratoga logo will include a box of crayons, pencil and ruler, as well as a dental hygiene packet with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and a timer to use when brushing teeth. Berkshire Bank Family Mondays is held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Saratoga Pavilion, presented by Time Warner Cable News, will host the following additional attractions during the week:

• New York Heritage and Tourism Series: Brew Central NY on Wednesday, August 31
• Taste NY: Cider, Wine & Spirits on Thursday, September 1
• Taste NY: Craft Beer on Friday, September 2
• NYRA Bets Lounge on Saturday, September 3
• Taste NY: Food and Artisans on Sunday, September 4

Fans will also enjoy the final giveaway of the 2016 season, a Saratoga long-sleeve pullover, presented by Coca-Cola, on Sunday, September 4 (free with paid admission, while supplies last). All season ticket plan and season pass holders will be guaranteed to receive the giveaway if they redeem the item by 3 p.m. Season pass and season ticket plan holders are required to utilize the line designated for them at each entry gate.  

The 2016 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 5. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.