Quote:
Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind
But you're a horseplayer, Matt. As the poster above you ( when he wasn't feeling sorry for himself ) correctly stated, many of the people coming will be first timers ( he incorrectly referred to them as horseplayers ), and these people expect to pay these prices...and likely more.
Of course horseplayers that support a product should be given deference in some situations, however, if you were running Monmouth ( and keep in mind their overall situation ), are you honestly telling me you wouldn't be looking to cash in on this HUGE day? As much as I loved Rachel...she simply had nowhere near the mainstream appeal American Pharoah now has. Surely you have been asked by a LOT of non-racing people about this horse, while I am guessing very few asked you about Rachel. Also, keep in mind, the situation at Monmouth is much different now than 2009.
The problem may well lie in just how insanely crowded that day will now be, and if this ends up leading to an enjoyable day by those in attendance. This is of FAR greater concern than $20 for parking, roughly a fee charged by pretty much every major league venue in the Northeast, from Washington to Boston. Hopefully it will be a great day, and pretty much everyone will have a terrific time, but to lower the conversation to a perception of "gouging" that actually isn't even true, makes little to no sense to me. In the grand scheme of things, the prices you may perceive as "high" are actually very much in line with what many of the attendees are used to paying, an likely expecting to pay.
Unlike the haters, you actually know me, and know that I am dedicated to doing what I can to help horseplayers. However, I don't think that is really part of this particular discussion. While I am fully behind incentivizing players loyal to your product, that play at your venue ( or through your ADW ), I don't really think that is particularly relevant to this specific situation.
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Believe me Andy, I know you well enough to know that you aren't a shill for the industry and IMO always tell it like it is whether it's good or bad. If you say the prices are in-line with other major venues, I believe you. I stated that I'm all for the track taking advantage and making money when they have the chance. In fact the admissions for the clubhouse and grandstand that day are very fair. If anything, I almost feel like they are underpriced.
As far as the parking goes, I got it wrong. Monmouth has various lots and I was under the assumption that one of the closer preferred lots where I park and is usually $5 to park, was going to be included in that $40 price point. To me I found that infuriating and that's where the gough comment came from. I was wrong there. Twenty to park if far from astronomical for a day like this.
Monmouth is not a very big venue, so I do have my concerns about such a large crowd there that day. I felt the same way when it held the BC. Unfortunately the weather really kept a lot of people away that weekend. I agree that Rachel wasn't as big as AP, but even when she ran in the Haskell, weather was a major factor. I guess Monmouth will get a good look that day at what it can and cannot really handle as they will probably break some records. I'm hoping that they pull it off and it turns out to be an extraordinary day of racing. I know, I'm looking forward to going.
I guess in the grand scheme of things, if parking rates are the biggest complaints they get, that means it was a pretty damn good day.