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Originally Posted by Port Conway Lane
I think you're right about no place to stand outside. I'd want to know where I will go to have a smoke if they have guards at the outdoor exits to the concourse like they do at the Preakness. I'll look for your report on the balcony,thanks.
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As far as the grandstand balcony seats go (I think thats what they are called). You have a very good view of the whole track, but you are very high up. There are about 3500 seats there(that is a very rough guess) I counted about 12 sections of about 16 -20 rows and about 18 - 20 seats in a row. The main problem I see is that there really is nothing up there. They have tellers and automatic machines, but there is really not much space to accomadate the 3500 that will be up there. I saw a sign for a snack shop up there, but my 4 year old heard the call the post and he wanted to see the horseys. It just seemed very old and stale up there. Not old and charming like the Spa. There were a handful of people up there. My guess is that it only gets crowded up there on Haskell Day. I am guessing (really hoping) about the restroom situation. Didn't see any but really didn't give a good look. As far as getting up there. There is an escalator and an elevator that can hold 5 maybe 6. That's without any wheelchairs, so if you need to take the elevator give yourself time. On the other side of the concourse area where the betting windows are (looking away from the track) is another set of windows. Through those you can see the paddock. It's not a great view because of the trees, but you have a look. This concourse area is really not big at all and I personally believe that it can't accomadate the 3500 people that will be up there. The rest of the track will be so mobbed that going downstairs to make your bets will be just as bad. Maybe the thing to do is, place all your bets when you first get to the track. Bring some food with you, and then settle into your seats and enjoy the day. You won't have to deal with the lines at betting windows and the hot dog stands. Monmouth food stinks anyway. If you live in the area, go to monmouth on Haskell Day. Give it a good look and see what you think. Scout out the areas where you think you would want to be on BC day. I know that Haskell Day wll be nothing like the Breeders Cup, but if you think that they are overwhelmed the day of the Haskell start calling Santa Anita about next year. It's probably going to be a disaster. As far as weather goes, you are covered, but if it is freezing that concourse area is not big enough to handle all the bettors and people hiding from the elements. Unless they make a big change up there, all I see the 225 getting you is a dry seat with a good view.