Getting ready for The Stretch
New track seating area slated for 2018 season at Saratoga Race Course
“The newcopper roof will protect the grandstand from weather damage and provide an aesthetic experience in keeping with the building’s historic character.” — NYRA consultant Matt Hurff, partner at the Saratoga Springs-based Frost Hurff Architects
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » A new fan viewing area called The Stretch will debut when the 2018 Saratoga Race Course season opens on Friday, July 20.
The section, in the grandstand near the top of the stretch, will have three different types of box seats, a raised circular bar, touchscreen tablets, and premium reserved seating. Guests will also have exclusive access to a fullservice kitchen and concessions, high- definition televisions and video screens, table service, and private restrooms.
“Over the past five years, we have placed a tremendous emphasis on enhancing the guest experience at this much beloved sporting venue,” said Chris Kay, New York Racing Association president and CEO, in a statement. “Now, for the first time in manydecades, we are creating new boxes for people of all ages to enjoy a day at historic Saratoga Race Course.”
The capital project is the first major improvement made to the grandstand since the mid-1960s.
Also this year, the grandstand will also be outfitted with a new copper roof to provide protection from the elements.
“The new copper roof will protect the grandstand from weather damage and provide an aesthetic experience in keeping with the building’s historic character,” said NYRA consultant Matt Hurff, partner at the Saratoga Springs-based Frost Hurff Architects.
The Stretch will have 32 modern boxes, each offering unique configurations accommodating parties ranging from four to 12 guests, in comparison to traditional clubhouse boxes that seat five guests each. The options in- clude tiered boxes, with a halfmoon- shaped table and a total of eight seats split evenly on two levels.
Lounge boxes offer comfortable couch-style seating and accommodate four to 12 guests.
Lastly, flex boxes contain three tables that seat up to four people each, and can be configured to host four, eight, or 12 guests, depending on availability and the size of the party.
The area also has a circular bar, with a full range of beverage options. The bar is raised to offer uninterrupted views of the track. The bar will be bordered by a drink rail facing the main track with a total of 20 raised seats. Additionally, a two-tiered dining area alongside the bar will feature four, six and eight-person tables.
The front section of The Stretch will have about 200 premium reserved seats, each one flanked by a table.
The boxes, reserved bar seats, and dining tables will feature touchscreen tablets offering access to livestreaming, mobile wagering via NYRA Bets, and mobile food and beverage ordering.
To start, all hospitality at The Stretch will be available to the general public for the entire season. Remaining inventory will be available for partial ticket plans beginning in April, based on availability.
Reserved seating options for The Stretch are now available for paid reservation on a seasonal basis. Inventory is limited and expected to sell quickly, NYRA said.
Reservations can be made exclusively through the NYRA Box Office by phone at (844) NYRA-TIX, via email at boxoffice@ nyrainc.com or at www. nyra.com/saratoga.
NYRA has spent more than $30 million on track upgrades since 2013. This includes more than 1,000 new high- definition televisions, 950 free picnic tables available on a first- come, first-served basis, new highdefinition video boards enhanced Wi-Fi and sound systems, a renovated and redesigned Saratoga Family Zone, and the renovation of the upper and lower Carousel.
For more i nformation about Saratoga Race Course, go to: www.NYRA. com/Saratoga.