Track to honor Saratoga Springs with Centennial Day

PHOTOGRAPHER: Erica Miller

Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus speaks during a news conference in Saratoga Springs at which Centennial Day was announced.

New York Racing Association President Chris Kay, along with Saratoga Springs Mayor Joanne Yepsen, announced on Monday that Aug. 5 would be Saratoga Centennial Day at Saratoga Race Course. As part of the celebration, all guests at the track will receive free grandstand and clubhouse admission.

“I would like to thank Chris Kay and NYRA for commemorating our centennial with a special day at Saratoga Race Course,” Yepsen said.

In addition to free admission, Saratoga Centennial Day will include a variety of activities and entertainment to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the city of Saratoga in 1915, including a performance by select members of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

“We hope all Saratoga Springs residents will take advantage of this,” Kay said.

Kay said that the idea for Centennial Day at the track originally came from Yepsen. He said he sees it as an opportunity to give back to the community that has always supported racing at Saratoga.

“This is the latest way that NYRA is giving back to the greatest racing fans in the world,” Kay said.

Kay said that over the past few years, NYRA had attempted to improve the guest experience at Saratoga. The organization has added new high-definition televisions and new picnic tables, at the request of track patrons.

“We listen to them about their greatest desires for Saratoga race track,” he said.

Saratoga Race Course, Kay said, serves as a major source of income for the Saratoga Springs area. Every year the track generates nearly $240 million in economic activity and creates 2,600 jobs.

Saratoga Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus said that the Centennial Day event is being advertised extensively in an effort to bring more people to the track who will hopefully then spend money with local restaurants, hotels and stores.

“The idea is trying to create a whole weekend package,” Shimkus said.

Shimkus said that the chamber is running an aggressive digital media campaign and also running television ads in parts of the state that they have not reached in the past.

Yepsen said that this is an opportunity for the community to show its support for an institution that has been an important part of the city’s history, culture and economy.

“NYRA’s stewardship of our local community, the creation of thousands of local jobs and record tourism numbers are all critically important to helping ensure our community’s success for another 100 years,” she said.

Kay said that any patrons who have already purchased or reserved tickets for Aug. 5 will be given a $5 credit for grandstand seats and an $8 credit for a clubhouse seat. Grandstand season pass holders who attend the races on Aug. 5 will receive a $1 refund for admission and clubhouse season pass holders will receive a $2 refund.

Refunds will automatically appear in the individual’s NYRA account within 30 days of Aug. 5. Guests who purchased their season pass by cash or check may stop by the Saratoga Springs box office.