What Is The Duration Of The Saratoga Race Course Summer Meet ? The 2021 racing meet is 40 days long, with live racing five days a week, from Thursday, July 15th through Labor Day, which is Monday, September 6th.
Mondays and Tuesdays (with the exception of Labor Day) are called Dark Days, as there’s no racing.
Is there Reserved Seating, Or Can You Sit Wherever I Want ? There is both Reserved Seating and General Admission seating at the track.
If you choose to picnic in the unreserved backyard grounds of the track you can bring your own chairs or even a pop-up tent, and sit wherever you wish.
Those who are hoping to get a picnic table can participate in the 7:00 AM rush when the track opens for breakfast, where many people claim their picnic table for later by putting a cooler or tablecloth on it.
After you’ve Reserved your spot, you can leave until just before the gates open for paid admission.
There are also reserved picnic tables in a designated area. These tables are limited to a maximum of six people each, and chairs, tents, and umbrellas are not allowed in this area.
Additionally, reserved tables are available in the Fourstardave Sports Bar in the lower Carousel. These can accommodate two, four, and six people. Personal coolers and outside food and beverage are not permitted in the Fourstardave Sports Bar.
Guests who want seats in either the Grandstand or the Clubhouse, or a reserved picnic table, have to purchase Reserved Seating tickets.
What Is The Cost Of Admission ? General & Grandstand admission (Grandstand entrances on Union and Nelson Avenues) this year is $7. Clubhouse admission (Nelson Avenue only) is $10.
If you pay General Admission, then decide that you want to go into the Clubhouse, you can walk to the booth marked Clubhouse Exchange near the end of the building that’s closest to Nelson Avenue. Once you pay the extra few bucks admission difference, you can get your hand stamped for Clubhouse access.
Please Note: Admission does NOT grant you a seat – you must purchase reserved seating separately or in advance through Ticketmaster or by phone.
How Do You Purchase Reserved Seating ? Reserved seating can be purchased online in advance at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-844-NYRA-TIX or on the day you go (subject to availability).
Can Picnic Areas Be Reserved ? A limited number of premium picnic tables can be reserved in the Miller Lite Picnic Paddock for every day of the meet.
Those who are up for the 7:00 AM dash, can claim a table in the General Admission backyard area by throwing a tablecloth over it. Most track patrons honor this informal reservation practice.
When Should You Get To The Track ? If you have Reserved Seats (tickets), you can arrive any time that you wish after the gates open. Parking is first-come-first-served, and the first Post Time is 1:00 on most days.
Are Coolers Permitted ? Coolers (max size 12″ x 18″) are permitted on the trackside apron and at the Top Of The Stretch. Larger coolers are allowed in the backyard area. ALL GLASS CONTAINERS ARE PROHIBITED: you may bring in plastic bottles and cans, only. Coolers are subject to search by NYRA security.
Those are some of the basics to help you on your way to The Spa. Enjoy !
