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Originally Posted by dellinger63
but they are adding 2 ponies on Sundays, one more clown on Sat and all the face paint you want.....
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Barry Rozner is a very well known columnist in the Daily Herald ( the only Chicago land paper that acknowledges Arlington's existance) who writes on all topics locally and nationally, appears on many sport's radio shows and probably isn't long for that paper. Anyway, he is a horse player at heart and has writen many articles over the years both lauding the AP experience and trying to figure out what the track needs to do to increase the handle and attendance. His most recent piece was dead on, IMO. To paraphrase, he gives AP credit for getting the neophyte horse player into the park, but then abandons them in certain critical areas, especially on busy days. Tote machine issues, tellers who aren't responsive, Post Parades starting 3 minutes before post, etc. He also focuses on Fridays...Why not keep the Party in the Park going after the last race with simulasting in the park area or dedicated TVs to Cubs or Sox games. How about better TVs so the glare is reduced? How about adding TVs to the outside bar areas and stools for the dedicated horseplayer? I'm sure that 20% of the crowd creates 80% of the handle. Let's make the "Player" who doesn't like hanging in the Gold Room more of a priority. AP isn't going to make money by growing the 80% base...that will only increase show pools ...They need to pull from the 80% and make the other number 25 or 30% by making it easier to wager and by giving that customer a reason to stick around. The longer they stay, the more they play.
Whew....