Went to Aqueduct for the first time yesterday...
 

Is there a reason that this track needs to stay open? Do they really think slots are going to revitalize that place? It is so run down and tired looking.

I don't follow the industry problems as closely as most of you so there are probably lots of points I'm missing, but wouldn't it make sense to turn Belmont's inner turf course into a surface suitable for winter racing and close Aqueduct? Surely NYRA could save a lot of $$ by only operating two tracks instead of three.

Are there any thoughts about this? I'm genuinely curious.

It would be thriving if VLT's were there :$:

Governor promises decision on racino

Paterson says he will endorse a bid next week to install gambling terminals at Aqueduct Race Track

By BOB GARDINIER, Staff writer
First published in print: Saturday, January 2, 2010

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories...storyID=884057

ALBANY -- Governor David Paterson opened the governor's mansion to the public Friday by declaring that he will soon endorse a bid to install gambling terminals at Aqueduct Race Track.

Paterson said that as soon as next week he would name a vendor to build a video lottery terminal racino at the Queens thoroughbred track -- and try to convince Assembly and Senate leaders to back the choice.

Paterson and legislators have been unable to reach an agreement over who should run the racino.

"If the two other leaders cannot come to a conclusion and a decision about which group should be the sponsoring organization, then I think I'll be forced, as I did last year, to announce my group and hope to persuade the two other leaders," Paterson said.

Five teams have bid for the right to operate the racino, which is expected to earn millions of dollars in annual revenue for the state and the New York Racing Association.

take a ride to yonkers

a lot of what you say about the big a could have been said about yonkers pre vlt days , it was a tired old looking building without much flair and was running down , today the old building is still there and while the structure remains old it has been totally revitilized and given a facelift to modernize it. a new wing was added to bring more slots and entertainment to the facility .... to say aqu should close is a bit premature , if aqu has 1/2 the success that yonkers has it will still be a success for all invloved in ozone park

John Nerud has maintained for years that consolidating Belmont and Aqueduct (at Belmont of course) is a must for the Association's financial health. There are a lot of things that would need to happen to make that work besides the installation of a 'winter surface', because the Belmont Grandstand/Clubhouse isn't 'winterized'.

One Nerud suggestion is building a winter Clubhouse by the training track and making that strip the 'all weather' surface. The facility would be a small, ultra-modern simulcast parlor. A grander scale concept involves rebuilding a new Belmont on the backstretch (opposite) side which would diminish the impossible wind/cold that renders the grandstand frigid, even in spring and fall, currently.

Obviously, these are involved options that aren't happening any time soon. As a result, buying 15-20 years to figure out the future by going ahead with the long-delayed Aqueduct casino is the most viable option. I like Aqueduct and have been there for many great moments. It's also a highly accessible attraction being easily reached via the A train. It would take with it a storied portion of racing history if and when it goes.

The first suggestion is a pretty neat thought.

Absolutely agree with you on the bolded sentiment. I hope whoever does come in for the VLTs finds a way to preserve some of the history that is there in the way of photos and such and the place still feels like a racetrack. A lot of the racinos, while bringing in valuable upgrades (like restrooms! :D ) really make racing seem like the side-show.

I have heard that the barns are nice at Aqueduct.

You're from Elmont and you've never been to Aqueduct? :confused:

It is perfectly suited for winter racing - the paddock is below the surface and mostly out of the winter wind that has a tendency to whip up off of Jamaica Bay.
The Inner is a terrifically serviceable winter racing platform.

I don't get the whole "we need slots to spruce up the place" mentality either.

The clubhouse is just fine - and I've spent many pleasant and memorable afternoons at a table in the Equestris Resturant overlooking the track - Throw on a sportscoat and tie, and enjoy good food and great views.

I could care less what the grandstand and the boxes look like - they don't get used by anyone and haven't been used since it became a primarily winter destination. It's silly to think that the slots are going to do anything at all to "spruce up the track". There will just be a huge casino in the parking lot.

I think Aqueduct is a much more enjoyable venue for racing than Belmont, espcially if you sit in the Equestris restaurant. The view is outstanding and teh food is really good too. It is kind of a hassle having to go down so many levels to get to the Paddock but all in all I liked it a lot more than Belmont.

I went to Aqueduct yesterday too. We got there at 12:30 as the first race was going off. I had a good time as I was hanging out two friends. It was a warm day so we spent a lot of time sitting in the grandstand as all the tables in the Manhattan Terrace were taken.

I agree with the original poster that the place is in need of an upgrade. If they decide to do that there no reason why it can't be improved. Steve mentioned John Nerud's suggestion about closing Aqueduct and moving everything to Belmont. I said the same exact thing when we were on the Cross Island passing Belmont Park.

A racino at Aqueduct might not be the best thing. If you take the train out there, you know it passes through the worst sections of Brooklyn. If you are on the A or C and you are holding a copy of DRF you're screaming " I have a pocket full of money." I know people who ride that line but I prefer to drive when I go to Aqueduct.

Hopefully Governor Patterson names an operator of these slot machines. I have zero interest in ever putting any money into them. The only thing I risk my money on is the stock market and horse racing. It's been eight years since the state was suppose to have slots at NYRA tracks. I think 2010 will be a better year for horse racing in NY.

I don't think closing Aqueduct (regardless of the historical implications) will do a thing to enhance NY racing, from a business standpoint. You would simply wind up with "Calder North" and a ton of lost interest. The only legitimate option from my perspective would be to turn NYRA completely on it's head, winterize Belmont (at a ridiculous cost that could not be substantiated), and run a Spring - Fall meet at Saratoga, ala Keeneland - Chruchill.
Not going to happen.
Love it or hate it, the Aqueduct winter meet is part of the history and the lore. If nothing else, it gives us a reason to look forward to the spring. I personally enjoy the meet, and also really do look forward to the first turf racing at Belmont, but not because I think Aqueduct needs to go by the wayside. It simply helps mark time as we go through the season.

I totally agree. Selling Aqueduct does not benefit NYRA since the State of New York owns it. I don't understand the hate for Aqueduct, it hosts the off season in New York and it is what it is visually, but it is not that bad. The casino will upgrade which is good, but frankly, I have no problem spending a day at the Big A.

I agree. I swear these complainers must all live across the street from Sha Tin or something, because there are far crappier tracks in this country than Aqueduct.

All history aside, the place really is a dive, but not any worse than another 10 or so tracks I have visited across this country...

When I go to a track the two most important things are can I get my bets down easily and are the restrooms relatively clean. As I get older the second is becoming more important than the first. :)