2014 admission hikes for Belmont, Saratoga: GA $5, Clubhouse $8

[cmorioles]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

Business is not down in NY for the year. Handle is up. Handle was down at Saratoga by a fractional margin.

I understand you're completely against the price increase. However, if you grant that a price has to be charged, the new price is quite fair based on the market.

Business is down as far as attendance goes, and that is what this price increase impacts. I guess we'll see how people respond. I think on track attendance and handle will decline. The customers will determine if the price is fair. On track handle is better than off track handle for NYRA.

Customers don't care about political maneuvering between the state and NYRA. All they know is they are going to be asked to pay more while slots money is rolling in. Think about that.

[MaTH716]

Originally Posted by cmorioles

Business is down as far as attendance goes, and that is what this price increase impacts. I guess we'll see how people respond. I think on track attendance and handle will decline. The customers will determine if the price is fair. On track handle is better than off track handle for NYRA.

Customers don't care about political maneuvering between the state and NYRA. All they know is they are going to be asked to pay more while slots money is rolling in. Think about that.

But why is attendance down?
Is it a matter of the economy and people just not having extra money to spend/gamble?

Is it a matter of the sports older clientele dying off and arent being replaced by younger fans?

Is it that people are just fed up trying to beat a game that's borderline impossible?

It's a shame that the people that will be punished the most are the track rats that are there day in and day out. If they could somehow come up with some special promotion for these people (such as a free monthly grandstand pass that you sign up for once a month {they do it at Monmouth}), then I really think that the effect from the increase will be minimal at best.

I just can't see the person/family who enjoys a day at the track, that goes once/a couple of times a month balking about a couple of dollar increase. Especially with these people living in an area where the cost of living is already high and everything (tolls, buses, trains etc) seem to go up on a quartly basis. I understand the sports/gambling argument, but compared to the ridiculous amount of sports tickets around here (mostly Yankees & anything at MSG), the track prices seem like a relative bargin.

As long as this is a one time increase for the considerable future, I don't see it be that big a deal.

[Payson Dave]

The spinners on give-away days at the Spa are going to be bummed...they don't contribute much to the handle but they sure enhance the attendance figs.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Payson Dave

The spinners on give-away days at the Spa are going to be bummed...they don't contribute much to the handle but they sure enhance the attendance figs.

Good point. Attendance at NYRA is sort of a flawed stat because of spinners. NYRA's attendance figures are greatly impacted by potential Triple Crown on Belmont day and weekend spinners at Saratoga.

If Honor Code is undefeated and going for the Triple Crown and 135000 people show up for Belmont day the increase will be labeled a good idea. If we have another spotty TC season and a weak giveaway or two at Saratoga the idea will be labeled a failure.

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Good point. Attendance at NYRA is sort of a flawed stat because of spinners. NYRA's attendance figures are greatly impacted by potential Triple Crown on Belmont day and weekend spinners at Saratoga.

If Honor Code is undefeated and going for the Triple Crown and 135000 people show up for Belmont day the increase will be labeled a good idea. If we have another spotty TC season and a weak giveaway or two at Saratoga the idea will be labeled a failure.

Isnt this all about dressing up NYRA so it is more attractive to a potential buyer?

[pointman]

Originally Posted by freddymo

Isnt this all about dressing up NYRA so it is more attractive to a potential buyer?

It is all about Cuomo trying to find a way to cast NYRA off on its own after his coup of seizing NYRA properties to build his casinos while taking away the slots money so he and his criminal cronies can frivolously spend more money all while claiming that the horse racing industry can stand on its own feet to try to avoid the negative backlash of stripping the casino money.

Cuomo does not care what happens to the industry as long as he can get rid of it without egg on his face. He is an embarrassment to this State.

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by pointman

It is all about Cuomo trying to find a way to cast NYRA off on its own after his coup of seizing NYRA properties to build his casinos while taking away the slots money so he and his criminal cronies can frivolously spend more money all while claiming that the horse racing industry can stand on its own feet to try to avoid the negative backlash of stripping the casino money.

Cuomo does not care what happens to the industry as long as he can get rid of it without egg on his face. He is an embarrassment to this State.

While I agree with the spirit of the post I think this is less nefarious. If you are looking to sell something you dress it up. To me this has nothing to do with it being a Premier product like some think and being worth more. I think its fair to charge whatever the market will bare and I think its fine to earn. I think neither is at work here.. To me this is window dressing pure and simple

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by freddymo

Isnt this all about dressing up NYRA so it is more attractive to a potential buyer?

In theory.

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

In theory.

I can see an overseas bookmaking company buying NYRA. They can stand losing money while they hope America becomes more open to sports betting. Didn't Betfair do this with TVG? The real estate (not literally) is worth a lot, considering just how much money is wagered at 11/10 illegally.