Campaign for Better Dress-Codes at Saratoga

[ArlJim78]

Originally Posted by ELA

Anyway, on a related note, see the below quote, and article.

“This isn't the gambling business. It isn't the restaurant business. This is the entertainment business,” Harper said. “Whenever you put 40,000 people into a facility, you better make them happy, and the only way to do that is to entertain them.

“Whether it's with ring or beautiful people or $11 margaritas, you have to have them feeling good about being here.”

Full article -- http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports...b15harper.html


Eric

lol, I already saw this one and was stunned like I was when the guy from Churchill proclaimed that attendance and handle are no longer key metrics.

here is another passage that caught my eye,
“This isn't the gambling business. It isn't the restaurant business. This is the entertainment business,” Harper said. “Whenever you put 40,000 people into a facility, you better make them happy, and the only way to do that is to entertain them
“Off-track wagering sites don't make new racing fans. You go in and watch a TV – no one cheers; there is no pageantry to the sport.” We wanted to create an atmosphere that made people want to come to the racetrack, not just stay home and bet.”


I know speaking for myself that if I go to a race track it had better have gambling because there is no amount of pageantry or margaritas that will keep me entertained.

[ELA]

Originally Posted by ArlJim78

lol, I already saw this one and was stunned like I was when the guy from Churchill proclaimed that attendance and handle are no longer key metrics.

here is another passage that caught my eye,
“This isn't the gambling business. It isn't the restaurant business. This is the entertainment business,” Harper said. “Whenever you put 40,000 people into a facility, you better make them happy, and the only way to do that is to entertain them
“Off-track wagering sites don't make new racing fans. You go in and watch a TV – no one cheers; there is no pageantry to the sport.” We wanted to create an atmosphere that made people want to come to the racetrack, not just stay home and bet.”


I know speaking for myself that if I go to a race track it had better have gambling because there is no amount of pageantry or margaritas that will keep me entertained.

Very true. I read the entire article and didn't look at it as absolute. Of course it's gambling, he knows it and everyone knows it, LOL. I think there is an entertainment overtone and element to it though -- just like the casino model. My thinking is that "people" -- all people come for wagering -- but different people look for different ingredients. Some will want good food, restaurants, etc. Some will like a sports bar, or something of the like. Some might like a poker room, and so on.

The tracks must be built and the model must be built for not just one sect of the marketplace. It must be built for the masses.

Eric

[Antitrust32]

I love ya Saratogabrit, but this is the worst thread ever.

I had an absolute blast at Toga today decked out in sweats and a dungeon fighter t shirt (if anyone wants one - PM me.... LOL).

Granted, if I had a horse going or my friend did, I would be in a dress/skirt/nice outfit. But going to the paddock is different... its customary to look nice.


But hell, if I'm just going to the track to be a degenerate gambler.. bring on the sweats/ gym shorts/ t shirt, hat on backwards look.

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by Antitrust32

I love ya Saratogabrit, but this is the worst thread ever.

I had an absolute blast at Toga today decked out in sweats and a dungeon fighter t shirt (if anyone wants one - PM me.... LOL).

Granted, if I had a horse going or my friend did, I would be in a dress/skirt/nice outfit. But going to the paddock is different... its customary to look nice.


But hell, if I'm just going to the track to be a degenerate gambler.. bring on the sweats/ gym shorts/ t shirt, hat on backwards look.

Agreed... I'm too lazy to get all gussied up anyway.

[SniperSB23]

Originally Posted by Antitrust32

I love ya Saratogabrit, but this is the worst thread ever.

I had an absolute blast at Toga today decked out in sweats and a dungeon fighter t shirt (if anyone wants one - PM me.... LOL).

Granted, if I had a horse going or my friend did, I would be in a dress/skirt/nice outfit. But going to the paddock is different... its customary to look nice.


But hell, if I'm just going to the track to be a degenerate gambler.. bring on the sweats/ gym shorts/ t shirt, hat on backwards look.

He's not talking about the picnic area though. He's just talking about the paddock and the clubhouse. I agree that jeans or shorts shouldn't be allowed in either of those places. The picnic area is plenty of space to wear whatever you want. If you want to go into the paddock then dress the part.

[NoLuvForPletch]

Originally Posted by SniperSB23

He's not talking about the picnic area though. He's just talking about the paddock and the clubhouse. I agree that jeans or shorts shouldn't be allowed in either of those places. The picnic area is plenty of space to wear whatever you want. If you want to go into the paddock then dress the part.

Okay, while it's nice to think that we are back in the 1930's and everyone gets all gussied up to go to the track, this is the 21st century. If you need to feel as though you are dressing up to go to the Whitney Ball, the Turf Terrace is a wonderful place to be. Food isn't that good, but people wear nice clothes. I think the problem with the paddock isn't so much that people don't get dressed up enough, but the people that they let in who shouldn't be in there. Besides, trainers like Baffert and Frankel are wearing a jacket and jeans half of the time anyway. Unless something special is going on.

The clubhouse is nothing more than an extension of the grandstand these days, except it is closer to the finish line and they can charge you more. To not allow people to wear nice Bermuda shorts (a dress code somewhat similar to a golf course) is ludicrous. Remember, it is a VACATION spot.

[Sightseek]

Actually even Baffert pressed his khakis for the paddock yesterday.