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The New York Racing Association, Inc. announced that tables in the Fourstardave Sports Bar in the lower Carousel and reserved picnic area for the 2016 meet at Saratoga Race Course are now for sale.
In addition, a special drawing will be held for the general public and for season ticket plan and season pass holders who are interested in purchasing one of these reserved tables for Travers Day, August 27. Entries for the drawing are currently being accepted at nyra.com/traversdrawing.
The tables went on sale May 10.
The two hospitality areas offer guests the most affordable reserved seat pricing at the historic sporting venue. Reserved seating options in the Fourstardave Sports Bar and picnic area for all dates other than Travers Day will be available for paid reservation through Ticketmaster.com or by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX.
NYRA officials said fans may take advantage of the all-new Saratoga Virtual Venue seating map to digitally preview their table location in the Fourstardave Sports Bar before purchasing tickets. Reserved seating inventory is limited and subject to availability.
During the program’s inaugural year in 2015, the tables in the Fourstardave Sports Bar were sold to near capacity on weekends and more than 80 percent on weekdays, marking a total of more than 2,200 table reservations throughout the season, NYRA said. The picnic area saw nearly eight of 10 tables occupied on weekends and one of every two tables reserved during weekdays, for a total of nearly 3,000 table reservations during the meet.
“Last season, we received tremendous feedback from our guests who experienced the ease and enjoyment of a guaranteed table waiting for them on their day at the Spa,” said New York Racing Association CEO and President Chris Kay. “We are excited to once again offer this convenience to fans looking to experience a casual and memorable outing at our outstanding venue during the 2016 season at Saratoga Race Course.”
Located within close proximity to the trackside apron, the Fourstardave Sports Bar includes more than seven dozen tables available for paid reservation and a sports bar which features an extensive craft beer selection, popular food vendors, and 40 flat-screen televisions. The new hospitality space also provides protection from the elements. Configurations include options for up to six people, four people, and new for 2016, two-person tables.
Two-person tables will be available for $20 on weekdays (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) and $30 on weekends (Saturday and Sunday). Four-person tables will be available for $35 on weekdays and $60 on weekends. Six-person tables will be available for $50 on weekdays and $90 on weekends. Table reservation fee does not include admission.
Officials said personal coolers and outside food and beverage will not be permitted in the Fourstardave Sports Bar. On-track food and beverage is allowed. The Fourstardave Sports Bar opens at 11 a.m. on weekdays and 10:30 a.m. on weekends. All ticket holders must exchange a ticket for a wristband upon entry.
The reserved picnic area is comprised of approximately 100 picnic tables, which each seat up to six guests, located adjacent to the paddock and offering premier viewing of horses being saddled before a race.
Reserved picnic tables will be available for $30 on weekdays, a savings of $10 in comparison to 2015 pricing, and $60 on weekends. Table reservation fee does not include admission.
Personal coolers are allowed in the reserved picnic area. Coolers may contain plastic bottles or cans and are subject to search by NYRA security. Additional chairs, tents and umbrellas are prohibited. For a full list of prohibited items, visit NYRA.com.
The reserved picnic area opens at 11 a.m. on weekdays and 10:30 a.m. on weekends. All ticket holders must exchange a ticket for a wristband upon entry.
NYRA said a total of 850 tables are available to guests at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis, the same number as in 2015 and a 70 percent increase in the number available to guests since 2011.
New for 2016, fans interested in reserving a table in the Fourstardave Sports Bar in the lower Carousel or picnic area to witness the 147th running of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on Saturday, August 27 will have the opportunity to do so via a separate drawing. Reserved tables in these two hospitality areas for Travers Day will be available only through the drawing.
Individuals interested in winning the opportunity to purchase a reserved table in the Fourstardave Sports Bar or picnic area can enter the drawing up until Tuesday, May 17, at 11:59 p.m. via NYRA.com/traversdrawing.
Fifty percent of seating inventory assigned via the Travers Day reserved table drawing will be allotted exclusively for 2016 Saratoga Race Course season ticket plan and season pass holders. The remaining 50 percent will be available to the general public, officials said.
“This new system is designed to reward our most loyal guests with an increased chance of securing a coveted reserved table on Travers Day while also expanding access to this premium and very limited inventory to all racing fans,” said New York Racing Association Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer Lynn LaRocca. “Travers is a very special day at Saratoga and we are excited to provide new and seasoned fans alike with the opportunity to experience this blockbuster day of racing from some of the best seats in the venue.”
Fourstardave Sports Bar reservations on Travers Day will be available at $80 for two-person tables; $140 for four-person tables; and $185 for six-person tables. Reserved picnic tables, which each seat up to six guests, will be available for $160 on Travers Day. All table reservation fees on Travers Day include the cost of admission.
Season ticket plan and season pass holders who are selected in the drawing will not be required to purchase individual admission for themselves or any guests in their party who provide proof of a season ticket plan or pass.
Season ticket plan and season pass holders interested in entering the Travers Day drawing will be required to provide their account number. Season pass holders must have an activated season pass by May 17 to be eligible to enter.