Groundbreaking set for new, 3-story track building
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » New York Racing Association plans to break ground Tuesday on a permanent new building adjacent to the Saratoga Race Course clubhouse.
The 36,000-square-foot structure will replace the current At The Rail pavilion and temporary luxury box seating area.
The new building will be called the 1863 Club, in recognition of the first meet ever held in Saratoga in August 1863. Plans call for having the facility open in time for the 2019 racecourse season.
“The three-story, air-condi- tioned building will provide new and different options for guests, including a banquet area on the first floor and a bar and dining club on the second level, which will be connected to the clubhouse via a walkway,” said Chris Kay, NYRA president and CEO. “The third floor will feature true luxury boxes offering outstanding sight lines of the entire track.”
A large kitchen area will be located in the basement level.
The project is the latest in a series of major capital improvements at the track totaling more than $30 million.
This year, NYRA introduced a new luxury seating area called The Stretch, at the north end of the grandstand. It has a dining tier, reserved bar seats, and approximately 200 premium reserved seats. Guests also have access to a full-service bar, kitchen and concessions, state of the art technology and high-definition televisions.
“The 1863 Club continues our commitment to providing racing fans with upgraded amenities while honoring the look and feel of this historic venue,” Kay said.
The new 1863 Club has been endorsed by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. Matt Hurff, partner at Saratoga Springs-based Frost Hurff Architects, will continue as project consultant to ensure all historic preservation standards are met.