Haskell weekend

[MaTH716]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

But you're a horseplayer, Matt. As the poster above you ( when he wasn't feeling sorry for himself ) correctly stated, many of the people coming will be first timers ( he incorrectly referred to them as horseplayers ), and these people expect to pay these prices...and likely more.

Of course horseplayers that support a product should be given deference in some situations, however, if you were running Monmouth ( and keep in mind their overall situation ), are you honestly telling me you wouldn't be looking to cash in on this HUGE day? As much as I loved Rachel...she simply had nowhere near the mainstream appeal American Pharoah now has. Surely you have been asked by a LOT of non-racing people about this horse, while I am guessing very few asked you about Rachel. Also, keep in mind, the situation at Monmouth is much different now than 2009.

The problem may well lie in just how insanely crowded that day will now be, and if this ends up leading to an enjoyable day by those in attendance. This is of FAR greater concern than $20 for parking, roughly a fee charged by pretty much every major league venue in the Northeast, from Washington to Boston. Hopefully it will be a great day, and pretty much everyone will have a terrific time, but to lower the conversation to a perception of "gouging" that actually isn't even true, makes little to no sense to me. In the grand scheme of things, the prices you may perceive as "high" are actually very much in line with what many of the attendees are used to paying, an likely expecting to pay.

Unlike the haters, you actually know me, and know that I am dedicated to doing what I can to help horseplayers. However, I don't think that is really part of this particular discussion. While I am fully behind incentivizing players loyal to your product, that play at your venue ( or through your ADW ), I don't really think that is particularly relevant to this specific situation.

Believe me Andy, I know you well enough to know that you aren't a shill for the industry and IMO always tell it like it is whether it's good or bad. If you say the prices are in-line with other major venues, I believe you. I stated that I'm all for the track taking advantage and making money when they have the chance. In fact the admissions for the clubhouse and grandstand that day are very fair. If anything, I almost feel like they are underpriced.

As far as the parking goes, I got it wrong. Monmouth has various lots and I was under the assumption that one of the closer preferred lots where I park and is usually $5 to park, was going to be included in that $40 price point. To me I found that infuriating and that's where the gough comment came from. I was wrong there. Twenty to park if far from astronomical for a day like this.

Monmouth is not a very big venue, so I do have my concerns about such a large crowd there that day. I felt the same way when it held the BC. Unfortunately the weather really kept a lot of people away that weekend. I agree that Rachel wasn't as big as AP, but even when she ran in the Haskell, weather was a major factor. I guess Monmouth will get a good look that day at what it can and cannot really handle as they will probably break some records. I'm hoping that they pull it off and it turns out to be an extraordinary day of racing. I know, I'm looking forward to going.

I guess in the grand scheme of things, if parking rates are the biggest complaints they get, that means it was a pretty damn good day.

[declansharbor]

Hell, I just paid $30 to park last night for the Foo Fighters concert in Camden.

Worth every cent in hindsight.

[GoIrish]

To be clear, it's $20 for self parking in all lots and $40 for valet.

I have been to MP for just about every event since before they made the Haskell hat (they gave away a transistor radio before the hat!) and the most concerning thing for me is the usual lack of ushers/security in the seating areas. Every year there are people sitting in my seats who just don't understand (or care) that you need a ticket for Haskell day. Then, as the day wears on, weary (drunk) groups of people wander into the seated areas with coolers, plop them in the aisle and sit on them. Security is non-existent by this time and it usually comes down to a) dealing with it or b) taking matters into your own hands.

I hope I am wrong, but if the predicted crowd of 60k shows up these issues, and more, will be amplified. Then again, MP is usually cursed by wretched weather whenever there is a big event. Stop by the highest seat in the house in section 18 and say hi.

[freddymo]

I think its an incredible opportunity to have 8 hours of entertainment for what amounts to less then 50-75 bucks per person. 2/300 bucks will go a decent way for a family of 4. The part everyone is missing is Zayat could have demanded they double the purse and IF he did they would have succumb to it and passed it off to customers and or grabbed it from horseman, he isnt a saint but he did the right thing . He did say make this a day for the people, he didnt say make it free and lose money. Monmouth is lucky. They caught the right horse with a trainer that always posts for Haskell and now its up to them to produce the show. If weather is good we are in for a great day.