Met Mile, other stakes moved to Belmont Day

[parsixfarms]

I like the idea a lot. Rather than viewing the Met Mile as diminished by being a race on the Belmont Stakes undercard, I'd like to think that one of New York's best races is being enhanced by having it showcased on the biggest day of racing in New York.

From a financial standpoint, last year's Memorial Day handle at Belmont was only $16 million. You would have to think that the increase in handle on Belmont Stakes Day with these changes would more than offset whatever handle is lost on Memorial Day.

I only hope that what is sure to be another increase in ticket prices for Belmont Stakes Day isn't too steep.

[Cannon Shell]

Chris Kay will have a prolific day of trophy presenting

[Cannon Shell]

The potential downside is a really rainy weekend that creates a entire day of short field stakes.

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Chris Kay will have a prolific day of trophy presenting

Maybe we can get Cuomo to attend the big day?

[cmorioles]

Any guesses on the percentage of increase in ticket prices for Belmont day?

[parsixfarms]

Originally Posted by cmorioles

Any guesses on the percentage of increase in ticket prices for Belmont day?

I have annually had seats about 50 yards from the finish line (preferred grandstand) for $120; I wouldn't mind them going to $150, given the "enhanced customer experience" by the reconfigured stakes schedule. Anything more than that would probably be excessive. As recently as 2004, these same seats went for only $60.

I've always viewed Belmont Stakes ticket prices this way: when there is no Triple Crown on the line, I'm overpaying for the seat relative to demand; however, when a Triple Crown is on the line, I'm underpaying for the seat relative to demand. So long as there is a Triple Crown try once every four years, it all tends to even out.

[cmorioles]

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

I have annually had seats about 50 yards from the finish line (preferred grandstand) for $120; I wouldn't mind them going to $150, given the "enhanced customer experience" by the reconfigured stakes schedule. Anything more than that would probably be excessive. As recently as 2004, these same seats went for only $60.

I've always viewed Belmont Stakes ticket prices this way: when there is no Triple Crown on the line, I'm overpaying for the seat relative to demand; however, when a Triple Crown is on the line, I'm underpaying for the seat relative to demand. So long as there is a Triple Crown try once every four years, it all tends to even out.

I understand your point of view. I'll be surprised if they only go up that much. We'll see. As a person mostly interested in betting, I'd never pay that much to be at any racing event, but that is just me. NYRA should charge whatever the market will bear.

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by cmorioles

I understand your point of view. I'll be surprised if they only go up that much. We'll see. As a person mostly interested in betting, I'd never pay that much to be at any racing event, but that is just me. NYRA should charge whatever the market will bear.

I bet they increase 50%