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Thoughts, news and notes from the sports staff of The Saratogian newspaper, located in historic Saratoga Springs, New York. The gang in the corner office on Lake Avenue give you the post-game wrap-ups, news and notes from the games we cover and opinions about the sports we read about every day.

Monday, December 2, 2013

NYRA may raise admission prices at Saratoga Race Course



General and clubhouse admission costs at Saratoga Race Course may rise in 2014 according to numbers discussed at Monday’s NYRA Franchise Oversight Board meeting according to NYRA Director of Communications Eric Wing.
The price of general admission tickets may increase from $3 to $5 and admission to the clubhouse could go from $5 to $8 under the 2014 budget proposal that’s up for approval by the board of directors at a meeting scheduled for Wednesday. Those price increases would also apply to Belmont Park but not at Aqueduct Race Course.
The increase in cost of admission is just one change the NYRA board is considering along with a hike in fees for simulcast partners and parking according to a story by Bloodhorse.com’s Tom Precious. NYRA CEO Chris Kay told the group of state regulators the proposed budget estimates an operating profit of $250,000 and includes improvements at the tracks to improve the experience of patrons.
Attendance and all-sources handle at the Spa was down in 2013 compared to 2012 when there was a slight increase.
What's your reaction to the proposed changes?