The new and Improved NYRA has a plan .They finally get It!

[jelly]

NYRA spent months on how to bring more fans to bet on their product and what a plan it is... New picnic mats :lol:


What leadership!


All giveaways are free with paid admission.

http://wnyt.com/article/stories/S2667703.shtml?cat=300

[PaceAdvantage]

You're so disingenuous. You aren't interested in anything positive NYRA does.

For instance, I don't believe you have EVER ONCE commented on the following, which has been around now for quite some time:

https://www.horsegrader.com/hgweb/horsegrader.html?d=nyra.com#

The above was formerly known as "RaceQuest"

No comments about it when it launched, and no comments about it now.

In fact, none of the prominent NYRA bashers on this board has EVER had anything to say about this positive development by NYRA to attract new fans.

That speaks volumes as to your credibility and your total lack of desire to see anything but negatives.

[Saratoga_Mike]

Besides a few tweaks (maybe some new TVs in certain areas), NYRA doesn't need to change a thing about Saratoga. It's close to perfect.

[Dahoss9698]

I don't know why I'm even wasting my time, and I say this as someone who despises the giveaways, but they are pretty effective in bringing people to the track.

Sure, some people take advantage of it, but for the most part it helps get people to the track.

[OTM Al]

That speaks volumes as to your credibility and your total lack of desire to see anything but negatives.

Best answer I ever got to my wondering about the excessive complaining in the game was that people like this aren't really horse players. They just found horseracing as an outlet for them to complain. There's plenty of valid things to discuss, but this isn't one. Many thousands of people who come to get these things this summer will enjoy them, whether they are players or fans or just people on vacation. It will make them happy, clearly an emotion that such a miserable individual is unfamiliar with.

[Robert Goren]

Anything free at any race track is a good thing. Bravo for NYRA for promoting their product. Hopefully they will get huge crowds on the give away days.

[ArlJim78]

something tells me that if they ended the giveaways the same people would be decrying the outrage.

[Wagergirl]

well people have to complain about something.

[Tom]

They do this every year.....so what is new here?
Or did someone just wake up?

[Wagergirl]

They do this every year.....so what is new here?
Or did someone just wake up?

The complaining or the free giveaways? ;)

[jerry-g]

I don't live near an NYRA track, but if I did
the picnic thing would attract me to attend.
It speaks volumes about the track wanting
to make a fun day out of the experience.

A place where you can picnic says you can
bring your wife, girlfriend and children to a
place where there is fun for the whole family.

I am a picnicker from way back and I believe
it is the single most solitary thing that has
helped me to maintain my image over the years. :D

By giving away something that is free, they are
getting the public's attention.

[Saratoga_Mike]

They do this every year.....so what is new here?
Or did someone just wake up?

It's a picnic mat, which hasn't been a giveaway in the past (see above link). Apparently they can't introduce a new giveaway without being criticized.

[aaron]

I have seen NYRA make many mistakes over the years,but how can anyone criticize them for what they are giving away. I don't get it. This is not something worth discussing.

[forced89]

I remember the day Oaklawn gave away Smarty Jones bobble heads a few years ago. Thousands of people were lined up at 10 am waiting to get into the track. Many of them had driven in for the weekend from all over Arkansas, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Texas primarily because of the give away. Big crown, big handle, and a lot of happy people.

[PaceAdvantage]

I have seen NYRA make many mistakes over the years,but how can anyone criticize them for what they are giving away. I don't get it. This is not something worth discussing.Well, he's obviously stating that they should be doing more than just giving away a picnic mat.

When I point out to him (or her) that they have been doing more, and the more that they have been doing has gone completely unnoticed by the NYRA bashers, he (or she) has nothing to say.

[aaron]

Well, he's obviously stating that they should be doing more than just giving away a picnic mat.

When I point out to him (or her) that they have been doing more, and the more that they have been doing has gone completely unnoticed by the NYRA bashers, he (or she) has nothing to say.
I always thought Race Quest was a good idea. Anything that can educate fans is a plus. I remember years ago when they used to have seminars with Brad Thomas and Marc Seigalaub. The room used to be full.

[BombsAway Bob]

Well, he's obviously stating that they should be doing more than just giving away a picnic mat.

When I point out to him (or her) that they have been doing more, and the more that they have been doing has gone completely unnoticed by the NYRA bashers, he (or she) has nothing to say.
i would Love to see NYRA get approval for a "$10 Match-Play" Promotion, run
on Monday cards during Saratoga Meet. Casinos use them to great response,
as person says "What A Deal!" Since it's 'Free Money', it'll get used quickly
early in the card, and Joe Customer will be reaching back in the wallet for the
last half of the card. Nice move to thank Locals, who are more apt to pop
in with the Promo offered. Customer goes through turnstile, gets stamped for
that day, & gets $10 voucher, used at any teller with another $10 cash. Customer
either bets $20 or part of it at that time,& specially coded voucher returns balance,and has to churn $20 through it before it can be redeemed for cash.

[classhandicapper]

I always thought Race Quest was a good idea. Anything that can educate fans is a plus. I remember years ago when they used to have seminars with Brad Thomas and Marc Seigalaub. The room used to be full.

They should revisit something like that, but they'll need credible players like Marc and Brad.

Andy Serling would be great at something like that also, but I think you would need someone else besides Andy because he already does so much and is so available. Another comparable voice that is less available might help draw fans - especially if the two of them are entertaining playing off each other.

[Tom]

It's a picnic mat, which hasn't been a giveaway in the past (see above link). Apparently they can't introduce a new giveaway without being criticized.

I meant the idea of a give-away.
An idea that demonstrably works....and some nut mocks it.

[rubicon55]

I don't live near an NYRA track, but if I did
the picnic thing would attract me to attend.
It speaks volumes about the track wanting
to make a fun day out of the experience.

A place where you can picnic says you can
bring your wife, girlfriend and children to a
place where there is fun for the whole family.

I am a picnicker from way back and I believe
it is the single most solitary thing that has
helped me to maintain my image over the years. :D

By giving away something that is free, they are
getting the public's attention.

At Emerald Downs they use to have lots of giveaways and on top they use to stash coupons in some of them for free flat screens TV's - you know big ticket items, who wouldn't want that? I can tell you they were crowded on those days.

[jerry-g]

During the early 80's, a local bank of ours gave away a nice box of
Colt 45's just for opening an account. No laws to prohibit guns
as gifts. Patton would have been jealous.

Collectable items are perceived to have more value and they
attract collectors from all over. A hundred years from now, that
fellow on the Antique Road Show may be seen leaning forward
and saying, "Humm...this mug from the racetrack....it's priceless!"

Now...if I had just kept one of those tin cans of Log Cabin syrup
that looked like a tiny log cabin.

[sammy the sage]

I find funny/hilarous even...they have a BAN on GLASS containers...yet they'll be giving away a Pilsner GLASS... :lol: :faint:

[Saratoga_Mike]

I find funny/hilarous even...they have a BAN on GLASS containers...yet they'll be giving away a Pilsner GLASS... :lol: :faint:

Allowing glass bottles in on a DAILY basis would undoubtedly lead to broken glass in the picnic area. The Pilsner glass giveaway is a one-day event, where receipents will in most cases treat the glass differently (i.e., with much more care) than they would a discarded Budweiser bottle. Now you see the difference? Is it still that funny?

[OTM Al]

I find funny/hilarous even...they have a BAN on GLASS containers...yet they'll be giving away a Pilsner GLASS... :lol: :faint:

I am sure they will be well packed and further patrons will not be throwing them on/near the trash bins and leaving them lay all over the lawn.

[Tom]

Sammy likes to think things out thoroughly before he posts. :rolleyes:

[andicap]

Y'know I got a Saratoga t-shirt a few years ago -- spilled some tomato sauce on it and the stains DIDNT EVEN COME OUT!!!!!

[iceknight]

I find funny/hilarous even...they have a BAN on GLASS containers...yet they'll be giving away a Pilsner GLASS... :lol: :faint:I find it funny that you have to add 'sage' to your name but still cannot any wisdom at all.... :lol:

[forced89]

Periodically Lone Star will mail out free betting vouchers with most worth $2, a few worth larger amounts with one worth $1,000 (or maybe it is $10,000, I don't exactly remember). I have to believe people show up to see what they won. The beauty of this is that the only way to collect with the voucher is to bet with it.

[burnsy]

They do this every year.....so what is new here?
Or did someone just wake up?
you are absolutely correct....the t-shirts and hats are a standard. when they promote a "different" free gift. that turns out to be the biggest sunday. people love the item that is DIFFERENT. i remember when they gave away a clock...the line went down union avenue. the blanket was another huge hit. i'm there almost everyday for the racing so i don't care for sundays because of the crowd. but i'm not going to bitch about it either. if the weather is good that will be a huge sunday for the track...its a little inconvienant because i hang out by the paddock......but the track does well then racing will continue....thats all i care about. if you have a seasons pass , you can use the pass gate and theres a gate to pay without getting the give away...theres really nothing to complain about other than the large crowd and in these times if you give a crap about the game itself .....you won't complain.

[Tom]

FL quit giving away golf umbrellas after several jockeys reported being "poked" on their way back to the jock's room after the races. Nothing over 12 inches is given away anymore.

Apparently, that chain link fence is not for the horses, as we were told. :p

En guard!

[the little guy]

I have one of the glasses in front of me. It's excellent. Honestly, I have rarely gotten the giveaways over the last 30 years, save the hats, but this one I would get as a customer. Plus it is packaged neatly in a nice box with the Saratoga logo.

I think it will be really popular.

[Dahoss9698]

I have one of the glasses in front of me. It's excellent. Honestly, I have rarely gotten the giveaways over the last 30 years, save the hats, but this one I would get as a customer. Plus it is packaged neatly in a nice box with the Saratoga logo.

I think it will be really popular.

I'm like you in that I rarely ever have gotten the giveaways, but I always would get (and still have) the steins they used to give out. They were very nice.

[badcompany]

The Giveaway is a great idea, and there's nothing wrong with introducing something new, but, not including a t-shirt day, which, from my experience over the years, has been easily the most popular giveaway, not to mention the advertising and publicity that comes with people walking around in the shirts; that's just dumb.

[iceknight]

I am tempted to go check this out...although I live far away in Penn..

http://www.nyra.com/belmont/stories/June262012.shtml

The familiar gates of Saratoga Race Course will open five days early as The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) prepares to host its annual pre-season preview party, the 32nd annual Open House. A Saratoga tradition held prior to the start of racing season at North America’s most historic thoroughbred racetrack, Open House returns to kick off a full day of fun and attractions on Sunday, July 15, to benefit dozens of local non-profit organizations.

Saratoga's Open House offers a free sneak-peek into the popular summer meeting with a full day of games, activities, live music, food, pony rides, behind-the-scenes tours, mascot races, handicapping seminars, and non-wagering horse racing. The 32nd annual Open House will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free. ...more at this link

http://www.nyra.com/belmont/stories/June262012.shtml

I see this as a great opportunity to get new fans into the game or give them a chance to check things out for free and also watch non wagering races, just to get a hang out things.

[Grits]

I see this as a great opportunity to get new fans into the game or give them a chance to check things out for free and also watch non wagering races, just to get a hang out things.

You would spend far more on gas than you would save on parking and admission. You can park anywhere off Union Ave free everyday. (The same over at the Oklahoma.) You would, most likely, enjoy attending five days later on opening day far more.

[OTM Al]

The Giveaway is a great idea, and there's nothing wrong with introducing something new, but, not including a t-shirt day, which, from my experience over the years, has been easily the most popular giveaway, not to mention the advertising and publicity that comes with people walking around in the shirts; that's just dumb.

Seen the price of cotton lately? Not so dumb.

[Saratoga_Mike]

Seen the price of cotton lately? Not so dumb.

I doubt that's it - cotton's down 56% over the past yr - trades at 68 cents/lb now. It did have a huge run into the spring of 2011, which might be what you're thinking about.

[MaTH716]

I doubt that's it - cotton's down 56% over the past yr - trades at 68 cents/lb now. It did have a huge run into the spring of 2011, which might be what you're thinking about.

Why give away shirts for free when people will shell out $20-$25 bucks a piece for them?

[iceknight]

You would spend far more on gas than you would save on parking and admission. You can park anywhere off Union Ave free everyday. (The same over at the Oklahoma.) You would, most likely, enjoy attending five days later on opening day far more. Thanks for that tip. However, I would not have made the trip just for this alone. I have friends in Schenectady area... so this would have been on one of the days while I am there. I thought the free admission is useful for a group of 4-5 to get a nice preview and see some racing w/o betting.

[rastajenk]

FL quit giving away golf umbrellas after several jockeys reported being "poked" on their way back to the jock's room after the races. Nothing over 12 inches is given away anymore.

Apparently, that chain link fence is not for the horses, as we were told. :p

En guard!I have a vague recollection from the Sixties of the Reds doing Bat Days at old Crosley Field. They weren't full-sized bats, but they weren't miniatures, either...something about half- or three-fourths sized.

I also have a memory of some adults a few boxes over from us taking swings at each other before being ushered out.

They stopped doing Bat Days. :D

[jelly]

You're so disingenuous. You aren't interested in anything positive NYRA does.

For instance, I don't believe you have EVER ONCE commented on the following, which has been around now for quite some time:

https://www.horsegrader.com/hgweb/horsegrader.html?d=nyra.com#

The above was formerly known as "RaceQuest"

No comments about it when it launched, and no comments about it now.

In fact, none of the prominent NYRA bashers on this board has EVER had anything to say about this positive development by NYRA to attract new fans.

That speaks volumes as to your credibility and your total lack of desire to see anything but negatives.





Thanks for the link,I didn't know anything about this expert.


According to the "Expert" It's for those who think the conventional handicapping is to Complicated and overwhelming.



It's my opinion that you get the BASIC PPS to everyone in the world via internet and TV(bottom of screen)for free,kind of like putting a newspaper at your doorstop every day,sooner or later a certain number of people will pick up the paper.You then have them hooked for life.



The more you hide the PPS the less people know about the game.