PDA

View Full Version : Hazel Park and Northville Downs: WiFi?


WeirdWilly
01-13-2008, 05:40 PM
As anybody who reads or posts here knows, computers and horseracing go together like Triscuits and cheese.

So why is it, well into the 21st Century, some racetracks (like the above mentioned) still don't have WiFi? Is it that they are stuck in the 50s, they don't understand how it could help drive business, or they are just too cheap?

Or, as I suspect, all of the above?

Capper Al
01-13-2008, 07:57 PM
As anybody who reads or posts here knows, computers and horseracing go together like Triscuits and cheese.

So why is it, well into the 21st Century, some racetracks (like the above mentioned) still don't have WiFi? Is it that they are stuck in the 50s, they don't understand how it could help drive business, or they are just too cheap?

Or, as I suspect, all of the above?

I think that they are afraid that fans would bet over the Internet instead of get up and go to the window. To me this kind of backwards thinking is wrong. At least if an Internet bettor shows up at the track, they would gain his couple of bucks entry fee and maybe dinner while he's there.

Tom
01-13-2008, 08:19 PM
My order of preference is:

Bet on line
Do something else
Do something else yet
Stick push pins in my forhead
Take them out
Bet at the track

WeirdWilly
01-13-2008, 08:23 PM
I think that they are afraid that fans would bet over the Internet instead of get up and go to the window. To me this kind of backwards thinking is wrong. At least if an Internet bettor shows up at the track, they would gain his couple of bucks entry fee and maybe dinner while he's there.

Well, Youbet for one does not allow you to bet on Michigan races from Michigan. Beyond that, one of the appeals of going to the track is, you can get paid instantly. No send a check and wait. No rejected debit card deposits. Just give the money to the teller or machine, and you are good to go.

Hazel Park Racecourse and Northville Downs don't have an admission, and it would probably be the kiss of death to live crowds if they did. But yeah - even if people come and bet on the net, they will still buy concessions. But for the most part, I think if someone is going to bet on the net, they won't even bother showing up.

Meanwhile, DRF is going to a web-based Formulator, so I suspect that will be useless for late at-the-track handicapping. And sometimes I like to play "watch the shows for bridgejumpers and inefficient pools", which is impossible without a live tote feed. So I stay at home and they get zip from me.

Hopefully, Pinnacle Racecourse will be more forward thinking.

wilderness
01-13-2008, 09:17 PM
As anybody who reads or posts here knows, computers and horseracing go together like Triscuits and cheese.

So why is it, well into the 21st Century, some racetracks (like the above mentioned) still don't have WiFi? Is it that they are stuck in the 50s, they don't understand how it could help drive business, or they are just too cheap?

Or, as I suspect, all of the above?

Your joking right?

It wasn't long ago that neither had a website!
And as absurd as it may sound, before and during their websites initial days, nobody add at either track had an internet connection, much less an email capability.

WeirdWilly
01-13-2008, 09:32 PM
Your joking right?

It wasn't long ago that neither had a website!
And as absurd as it may sound, before and during their websites initial days, nobody add at either track had an internet connection, much less an email capability.

For all intents and purposes, they still don't have a website. At least not much of one. Tiny little Sports Creek blows them away in that regard.

For a while, Hazel Park had a cool little streaming radio show, but that disappeared. Not sure if it was because of low listenership, or they just got tired of doing it. It was by no means the greatest thing since bacon, but it was a good way to get to know the people and horses at the track.

But I guess the sad reality is, they are apparantly averse to a) technology and b) attracting modern, tech-savvy patrons. I guess they are happy with a few owners and whales swapping money back and forth until they can land a sweet real estate deal.

trying2win
01-13-2008, 09:35 PM
Pardon my ignorance, but what does the term 'wifi' mean? Haven't been able to figure that out yet. :)

WeirdWilly
01-13-2008, 09:40 PM
Pardon my ignorance, but what does the term 'wifi' mean? Haven't been able to figure that out yet. :)

It's wireless internet.

Back in the day, quality audio equipment was called HiFi - High Fidelity. Not sure if Wireless Fidelity is entirely applicable, but WiFi stuck.

It's funny how the past repeats itself. Radio was called wireless back in the day.

wilderness
01-13-2008, 09:47 PM
For a while, Hazel Park had a cool little streaming radio show, but that disappeared. Not sure if it was because of low listenership, or they just got tired of doing it. It was by no means the greatest thing since bacon, but it was a good way to get to know the people and horses at the track.

The person who created and maintained the HP website (formerly) was Kim Wentz.
One day after X-years of service (in different capacities), she was informed they no longer had a position for her.

She's better off.
It's a s-h-i-t hole

trying2win
01-13-2008, 09:50 PM
It's wireless internet.

Back in the day, quality audio equipment was called HiFi - High Fidelity. Not sure if Wireless Fidelity is entirely applicable, but WiFi stuck.

It's funny how the past repeats itself. Radio was called wireless back in the day.

Willy:

Thanks for enlightening me. :ThmbUp: I thought of the word hifi when trying to figure what wifi meant.

Just reading the posts on this thread, does that mean anyone residing in Michigan can't bet Hazel Park or Northville Downs through PTC either?

Thanks,

T2W

wilderness
01-13-2008, 09:57 PM
Pardon my ignorance, but what does the term 'wifi' mean? Haven't been able to figure that out yet. :)

Most McDonald's offer WiFi capability for laptops.
Course your requried a pre-registrarion with account, which cannot be purchased in the same building as your Big Mac ;)
After account requirements, the WiFi will even function out in the parking lot.

Some Internet providers are throwning in the "Wayport" service for free.
http://www.mcdonalds.com/wireless.html

Barnes and Noble and some others stores participate as well.

MOST motels offer FREE WiFi (used one for three weeks in the early part of the year), not sure of their parking lot capability.

michiken
01-14-2008, 07:34 AM
Northville Downs does not give a sh** about their customers! I usually sit on the 1st floor in front of the grill and here is a short list:

- Most of the TV's in the 'racks' are broken and can't change the channel. They are stuck on the Michigan 'Keno' channel.

- The signals routed to them give you the same track on 4 tv's. Often they need to be changed manually to find the track that you want to watch.

- These are the same TV's (with the same dust on them) since DRC closed.

- The brilliant scheduler will have Delta or Charlestown during the week but when you go on Friday and Saturday, they shift over to sh****y harness tracks like Lebanon and Pompano.

- The staff's idea of cleaning involves one large broom and sweeping the trash into one corner. They hardly ever wash down the tables and chairs.

- Speaking of tables - it is hard to find one that doesn't wobble.

- Raised a price of a hot dog and coke to $2.75 each.

- They used to have dollar dog night on Friday but moved it to Monday??? Guess they were actually selling too many??

- On the rare occassion that you see some young kids visit, they can never find a seat and end up walking around all of us 'degenerates'.

- It's ironic because Nortville is a wealthy community surrounded by million dollar homes yet you will hardly see any of the 'rich kids' there.

- Half the time when you go to buy a program you can't get one. 'We only printed up so many' How much does the INK and PAPER cost that they are too cheap to print up extras?

- Yes the rocket scientists running Northville are sure in touch with the bettors.

Why would you expect WIFI for the price of free parking and admission? Hell, you can barely find a place to plug in a laptop.

wilderness
01-14-2008, 11:50 AM
[u]
Why would you expect WIFI for the price of free parking and admission? Hell, you can barely find a place to plug in a laptop.



You must have a very old laptop?
The entire purpose is portability and the capability to function without plugs ;)

MutuelClerk
01-15-2008, 12:22 AM
I've worked the Michigan racetracks for almost 30 years. Racing is in very sad shape here. Sadly alot of what michiken is true, and some is exaggerated. Wifi is not in the future. If Pinnacle Downs opens this summer, I dont see Northville lasting past 2009. Unless slots somehow magically appear. The local casinos will do their best to see that slots never happen in Michigan.

wilderness
01-15-2008, 12:42 AM
The race meets at Northville are actually run by two separate corporations.

For many years, the Fall meet at Northville was named, "Jackson's Action at Northville Downs", then, on January 1, Northville Downs took over.

These days. . .
The Fall meet (thru Dec 31) is Northville Racing Corp.
Jan 1st is Northville Downs.

There seems some "natural" conflict in responsibility?
If Northville Downs and/or its stockholders own the property?
Aren't they compelled for maintenance and improvements?

What obligation does Northville Racing Corp have in regards to maintenance, equipment and improvements?
Or does NRC just pay a percentge back to Northville Downs?

Guess John Q. Public will never know unless their contractural agreement slips through the cracks!

ArlJim78
01-15-2008, 12:53 PM
wiFi is relatively new. over at arlington they just put it in last summer at the main track. you still can't get it at the big OTB next door. I agree that they should have it, all tracks.

but why would anyone think that Hazel Park or Northville would be on the cutting edge of anything? Hazel is a dump and a very depressing place to go to. anyone that has wifi I would think would stay home rather than go there.

when I travel back and forth between Chicago and Detroit for business, I have certain Starbucks that I will frequent in order to play the horses. its not free but its not a bad alternative. sit down, relax, have a coffee and scone while playing the races.

ArlJim78
01-15-2008, 01:01 PM
It's ironic because Nortville is a wealthy community surrounded by million dollar homes yet you will hardly see any of the 'rich kids' there.

- Half the time when you go to buy a program you can't get one. 'We only printed up so many' How much does the INK and PAPER cost that they are too cheap to print up extras?

- Yes the rocket scientists running Northville are sure in touch with the bettors.

Why would you expect WIFI for the price of free parking and admission? Hell, you can barely find a place to plug in a laptop.


I have to laugh reading this because its so true. I used to hear the same thing years ago at Hazel about programs. you get in line to get a program and then you ask for Saratoga and they say they are out of them. WHAT!!! well get off your ass and get some more. heaven forbid they print a few extra for a track like Saratoga and have to throw out a few pieces of paper.

Hazel and Northville would be the last places I would expect wifi. they barely function as it is.

i moved to Chicago about 5 years ago and its like night and day compared to Michigan racing. these people here are spoiled with services and amenities by comparision. but you know what? the people here still complain about how bad things are. I think to myself you have no idea buddy.

njcurveball
01-15-2008, 01:25 PM
. heaven forbid they print a few extra for a track like Saratoga and have to throw out a few pieces of paper.

.

Track Management lives and dies by what they CAN control. The decisions they make over the course of the year would make most horseplayers heads spin.

Most have seen some of them. Racing starts at a live meet and there are a half dozen or more tellers waiting around to see "if they get put on". A typical tellers day costs the track about $100, so in a business where they are handling over a million dollars, the Management is concerned about saving a few hundred.

Management also has control over how many programs they order. If they wind up with ten extra at the end of the day, they agonize over the ten or twenty dollars it cost them.

It is seriously insane and losing two or three good customers is more than equal to all of these cost "savings" that Management has control over.

When was the last time the Racetrack Management stopped by your table, bought you a drink, shook your hand, and thanked you for coming?

Employee of the Month? How bout Customer of the Month?

Imagine giving out "nominations" to a hundred of your best customers that they can be customer of the month at the beginning of the month?

Think they would try to get there as much as possible in the next 30 days?

Give them a nice trip for two somewhere, or perhaps an entry into the Horseplayer World Series, all expenses paid.

Think this would generate some positive PR?

Unfortunately, this will not happen since Management is more concerned with the programs they toss out than the customers that walk out. Sad but true. :mad:

Jim

ArlJim78
01-15-2008, 06:59 PM
When was the last time the Racetrack Management stopped by your table, bought you a drink, shook your hand, and thanked you for coming?

Employee of the Month? How bout Customer of the Month?


I agree about the general shortsightedness of the industry. You almost never feel like a customer.

In fairness I have to say that at the trackside OTB here in Arlington Heights, there are managers who stop and talk, who are interested in how you're doing and if everything is okay, and they overall try to foster a friendly collegial atmosphere, and you really do sense some attention to customer satisfaction. Imagine that?

In general the racing product that is offered over here at Arlington is outstanding, leaving out of course the fact that the class of horses is not on par with the big states, but they do very well with what they have. They have many promotions, they advertise all summer on the radio, and the facility itself is immaculate.

WeirdWilly
01-16-2008, 02:42 PM
I agree about the general shortsightedness of the industry. You almost never feel like a customer.

In fairness I have to say that at the trackside OTB here in Arlington Heights, there are managers who stop and talk, who are interested in how you're doing and if everything is okay, and they overall try to foster a friendly collegial atmosphere, and you really do sense some attention to customer satisfaction. Imagine that?

In general the racing product that is offered over here at Arlington is outstanding, leaving out of course the fact that the class of horses is not on par with the big states, but they do very well with what they have. They have many promotions, they advertise all summer on the radio, and the facility itself is immaculate.

A place where you are treated like a human, and not an inconvenience! Wow...they must be nuts. Don't they know people would much rather be spit on and have their tires slashed than be welcomed and treated with dignity?

They just DON'T understand the racing business.

njcurveball
01-16-2008, 03:04 PM
In fairness I have to say that at the trackside OTB here in Arlington Heights, there are managers who stop and talk, who are interested in how you're doing and if everything is okay, and they overall try to foster a friendly collegial atmosphere, and you really do sense some attention to customer satisfaction. Imagine that?



Sounds like a great place to go!

Only 900 miles to get treated like a valued customer sounds like a worthwhile trip to me! :ThmbUp:

TrackManSam
01-22-2008, 06:47 PM
I have been going to Hazel Park and Northville Downs for quite a long time.

Northville Downs is in my opinion, one of the worst racetracks in America to visit. They have overpriced food, rude tellers, rude program people, horrible housekeeping. The bathrooms are dirty, the announcer is horrible I mean the list goes on and on and on. Their website is pathetic n(everything is linked to ustrotting). The racing is bad, the track is in horrible condition, and I can go on and on.

Hazel Park is no treasure itself, but it is light years better then Northville, especially for live racing. They have bands, barbeques, a nice outdoor paddock, a great new grandstand that is up very close to the action, a decent dining room with good food. Dollar Days, giveaways, and in my opinion one of the best up and coming announcers in harness racing.

However, although I believe things are heading in the right direction there, compared to most tracks it still is a dive. It is often dirty and smokey. The tellers and program sellers are rude and usually reside on their cell phones when their supposed to be servicing the customers. Their clientele is thugish, and they allow way to many bumbs and undesirables on their property. So even tho the last 5 years I have seen vast improvement at Hazel Park, it still has a long way to go to even semi-compete with the downtown casinos.

When it's all said and done, except on a few live racing nights in the summer, horse racing is a whole lot better sitting in my boxers at home with a fresh pot of columbian brew awaiting the first race on my brand new computer!