Walter Wlodarczyk Photo

Saratoga summer meet to conclude with Fan Appreciation Week

by Pat McKenna, Mark Bardack

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will thank its fans with special offers on tickets and hospitality at Saratoga Race Course during closing week, Wednesday, Aug. 28 to Monday, Sept. 2.

The 2024 summer meet will conclude on Labor Day and will feature the following first post times during Fan Appreciation Week:

1:10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday

12:35 p.m. on Friday

12:05 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday with gates opening early at 10:30 a.m.

12:35 p.m. on Monday

Fan Appreciation Week will be highlighted by a series of weeklong ticket offers available for purchase at NYRA.com/Fans:

Buy one ticket, get one free on the same day for reserved seats in the Clubhouse, Grandstand and Cutwater Stretch Premium Reserved section;

Buy one reserved table, get one free on the same day in the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar and Pick Six Vodka Picnic Paddock;

$50 savings on Clubhouse Boxes;

Exclusive to NYRA Bets members: complimentary admission to The Cutwater Stretch (reserved seating not included).

On Sunday, Sept. 1, fans will enjoy the final premium giveaway of the season: a Saratoga windbreaker, presented by NYRA Bets. Available in two adult sizes, medium and extra-large, the black jacket boasts a white Saratoga logo embroidered on the upper left side. The giveaway is free with paid admission, while supplies last.

Sunday will also feature a series of special ticket offers:

Family 4-pack for $99, which includes four Grandstand reserved seats with admission, four Post Parade programs, and a $10 food and beverage credit per person;

Surfside Sunday 4-pack, which includes four general admission tickets and four Surfside canned cocktails for $44; or four Grandstand reserved seats and four Surfside canned cocktails for $84 (must be 21 years of age to purchase);

Sunday brunch in the Rail at the 1863 Club, starting at $105 per person and includes brunch buffet, soft drinks, admission, program, tax and gratuity;

Introduction to handicapping within a luxury suite at the 1863 Club, starting at $75 per person, and featuring sweeping views overlooking the main track from the third-floor balcony; complimentary soft drinks and light fare; betting strategies from an expert handicapper; and a meet-and-greet with special guests.

NYRA’s popular Breakfast and Breeding Farm tours will be offered Wednesday through Saturday of the final week and may be reserved in advance at NYRA.com. The package includes a buffet breakfast during morning training, transportation aboard a CDTA trolley to Song Hill Thoroughbreds on Wednesday and Thursday; Old Tavern Farm on Friday; or Sugar Plum Farm on Saturday. General admission to Saratoga Race Course for the afternoon is included.

Labor Day weekend will be highlighted by a pair of Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” events in the Grade 2, $500,000 Flower Bowl [Filly and Mare Turf] for older fillies and mares on Saturday, August 31; and the Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup [Classic] for 3-year-olds and up on Sunday, Sept. 1.

The meet will conclude on Monday, Sept. 2, with the Grade 1, $300,000 Hopeful for 2-year-olds and a potential preview of contenders in next year’s Triple Crown series and DraftKings Travers.

Breakfast on the Porch and Backstretch tram tours are not offered on Labor Day.

For more information about Fan Appreciation Week, visit NYRA.com/Fans.