A GOOD STRETCH
NYRA unveils new area at track
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » NYRA offered a first look on Wednesday at a new area at Saratoga Race Course.
Two days before opening day, NYRA formally unveiled The Stretch, which is located in the Grandstand at the Top of the Stretch. It’s the first significant enhancement to the structure since the mid 1960s.
The Stretch is a private hospitality area featuring modern and upscale amenities in a casual environment with views of thoroughbreds rounding the final turn as they enter the dramatic stretch drive.
Ticket holders to The Stretch will enjoy exclusive access to a full-service bar, kitchen and concessions, high-definition televisions, special events and private restrooms. Guests will also enjoy a relaxed dress code at The Stretch.
New York Racing Association CEO Chris Kay spoke about the excitement behind the project.
“In 2014 we’ve tried to add something to enhance the experience for anyone who comes to this beloved facility, and each year we get better and better,”
said Kay. “By far this is the best thing we’ve ever done. It’s so exciting to me, because we’ve been able to improve the experience in a couple different ways.”
The purpose of introducing The Stretch, as Kay explained, was to attract more young people to horse racing through technology and through enhancing amenities.
“In two very significant ways we are moving in the 21st century, providing the kind of experience that you don’t get as well as at a number of stadiums and arenas throughout the country,” said Kay.
The Stretch features a total of 32 new modern boxes, each offer unique configurations accommodating parties ranging from four to 12 guests. The front section of The Stretch features approximately 200 premium reserve seats, available for daily reservations, which are each flanked by a table.
Tickets for The Stretch may be purchased through Ticketmaster.com or through the NYRA Box Office. The 32 modern boxes are sold out for the season.