They do a lot of things wrong, but...
Presque Isle Downs always offers free admission for live racing -- and they have a day where they offer $1 Smith Hot Dogs and Free Soft Drinks (Coca-Cola products)
This really helps getting bodies to come out...and it's quite the hit with single mothers...who enjoy bringing their kids to the track. A single mom and her 3 kids can enjoy a night of live racing entertainment, dinner, and drinks for a grand total of $4
On Masters Day, they usually give away free T-shirts on top of cheap food and free soft drinks.
It's decent quality every-day racing because of purses, and you get some good Stakes action from time to time. Wise Dan won the PI Mile, here. The last five Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint winners have all competed in the Masters. Groupie Doll winning it the last two years.
I think admission prices and high food prices will eventually do more long-term harm than good, for a track. If you're going to raise admission prices ... at least give home-track betting vouchers for the difference. That way, the only people really paying for the admission spike are the single mothers and their little ones they drag along with them.
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