SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced that all guests at Saratoga Race Course will receive free grandstand and clubhouse admission in honor of the historic milestone for the venue’s home municipality on Saratoga Centennial Day, Wednesday, August 5.
Representatives from NYRA were joined by officials from the City of Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County at City Hall to make the announcement and discuss details for the upcoming
Saratoga Centennial Day at Saratoga Race Course, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Saratoga Springs in 1915.
In addition to free grandstand and clubhouse admission for all guests, Saratoga Centennial Day at Saratoga Race Course will feature a variety of activities and entertainment designed to celebrate the history and tradition of the Spa City.
“I would like to thank Chris Kay and the New York Racing Association for commemorating our centennial with a special day at Saratoga Race Course,” said City of Saratoga Springs Mayor Joanne Yepsen. “Saratoga Springs Centennial Day, highlighted by free admission for everyone, is a wonderful tribute in appreciation of our local residents, businesses and the entire City of Saratoga Springs. Not only does our race course generate $240 million of economic activity in our region, but it is of immeasurable importance to our history, traditions, and culture. I’m very happy that we are going to thank our fans on Centennial Day with free admission and a wonderful celebration for all Saratogians and visitors to enjoy. 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.”
“Several weeks ago, Mayor Yepsen proposed that the New York Racing Association celebrate Saratoga’s Centennial Day at Saratoga Race Course with free admission for local residents. We commend Mayor Yepsen for her vision and I am pleased to announce that we will commemorate Saratoga Centennial Day by offering free grandstand and clubhouse admission to all our guests on Wednesday, August 5,” said NYRA CEO and President Chris Kay. “The annual summer meet at Saratoga Race Course serves as the anchor for the city and surrounding region in generating nearly $240 million in economic activity and nearly 2,600 jobs. We hope Saratoga Springs residents will take this special opportunity to celebrate their City’s Centennial, and that all those who love to visit Saratoga Springs will join in the community celebration on August 5.”
Saratoga Centennial Day at Saratoga Race Course will include a special performance by select members of the Philadelphia Orchestra to commemorate the city’s 100th anniversary. The celebration will continue with the formal cutting of a cake in honor of the centennial and NYRA track announcer Larry Collmus will lead the crowd in a rendition of “Happy Birthday to You”.
The track décor and atmosphere will reflect the celebration with the Saratoga Centennial flag on display in the infield and entertainers dressed in Victorian-era costumes strolling the grounds. An array of special activities and events will also take place within the Saratoga Pavilion to commemorate the city’s first 100 years.
“We believe it is important to pull out all of the stops to bring tourists to Saratoga Springs and the free admission day at Saratoga Race Course, as part of the City’s Centennial Celebration on August 5, will help us to do so,” said Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus. “It’s not often you turn 100 years old, and it only happens once, so it’s only fitting that we celebrate by opening the gates to let everyone in to see the best racing, the best horses and the best jockeys anywhere in the world on this special day.”
Guests who purchased in advance a daily reserved seat for August 5, or a weekly seat package that includes August 5, will receive a $5 refund for admission with each grandstand reserved seat or an $8 refund for admission with each clubhouse reserved seat. All grandstand and clubhouse reserved seats purchased in advance for the 2015 season include the cost of admission.
Saratoga grandstand season pass holders who attend the races on August 5 will receive a $1 refund for admission; clubhouse season pass holders in attendance will be credited with a $2 refund.
Season seat plan holders will receive the same refund as season pass holders. All season seat plans for the 2015 meet include admission based on the equivalent price of a season pass.
Refunds will automatically be issued to the individual’s NYRA account within 30 days of August 5. Guests who purchased their season pass by cash or check may stop by the Saratoga Box Office within 30 days of use on August 5 to receive an admission refund.
Saratoga Centennial Day at Saratoga Race Course is one element of the year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of the official incorporation of the City of Saratoga Springs, which was signed into law on April 7, 1915. The year-long celebration includes a series of events and activities which highlight the history and culture of the Spa City, including the publication of a book curated by local historian Field Horne; the re-dedication of the restored Spirit of Life statue; a city icon sculpted by Daniel Chester French; and the restoration and re-piping of High Rock Spring.
For more information about the Saratoga Centennial, visit www.saratogacentennial.com.
The 2015 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course begins on Friday, July 24 and concludes on Labor Day, Monday, September 7. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, call (518) 584-6200 or log onto www.nyra.com.