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.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by ArlJim78

Great Britain





USA

Perfect!

A fun (and related) piece.....

http://sport.guardian.co.uk/horserac...149495,00.html

[Riot]

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.

The 6-7 non-horsey friends and relatives that came with me to Arlington to see Sumwon all had a great time, were impressed by the beauty, cleanliness and classiness of the facility (not a 'degenerate gambling pit') and all intend to get back there this season, as they all had such a good time. And every one of them got brave and tried out a small bet or two.

But it was the horses, and the beauty and excitement, that they enjoyed. If we had been at Aqueduct they'd never return unless they were forced to.

If you can't steal gamblers from other sports (basketball and football), you have to create them anew.

At Keeneland, it is de rigour for all the college kids and young professionals to get dressed to the nines and hit the race track - it's a giant singles scene. Hopefully 5% of them will enjoy the races and the gambling, too, and come back.

When I go to the track, I don't gamble very much - that I do at home or the OTB. Wagering is "work" that takes concentration

At the track I want to see the people, the horses, the paddock, stand at the rail near the starting gate and experience the thrill of a day at the races.

I don't want to go to the track to sit indoors or on some secluded patio all day and watch a television monitor full of exacta will pays, or keep my face buried in fig sheets for 20 minutes between races.

It amazes me how some gamblers seem to resent the presence of non-gamblers at the track, even discouraging attendance by phoo-phooing "fun" things tracks do to draw people in.

And yes, I think if you are in the clubhouse or paddock, you should dress the part. It's respect for the history and pagentry of the sport. On a more simple level, it's just good manners.

[NoChanceToDance]

Originally Posted by SentToStud

Perhaps the British dress well to obscure the fact they may well be the ugliest people on the earth. Too many centuries of being on an island with a limited gene pool.

I find that post very offesnsive.

I must say, when i went to Santa Anita i was almost disgusted by the dresscode around the race track. shorts, jeans (some ripped jeans), t-shirts with nasty slogans on them.

Was i even at a racetrack? more like a rave with a couple of horses there for fun.

People dressing like that wouldn't even be let in tracks in this country. If you want to get into 'members' (which is like club for you guys) you HAVE to wear a collared shirt and trousers (no jeans), and at some of the bigger race days a suit is a must for members.

You wouldn't see me in anything less than a suit at Cheltenham for the festival, Newmarket for the guineas and July meeting etc etc.

It adds character to the whole event.

[NoChanceToDance]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

Perfect!

A fun (and related) piece.....

http://sport.guardian.co.uk/horserac...149495,00.html

I'm sure the male racegoers would prefer it if the women had to get dressed up in the US like they do here

[NoChanceToDance]

As sightseek has been saying. Over the last couple of years, racing has become a trendy place to go for younger people. People haven't got a clue about the racing, but they are still betting and giving money to the track, and that can only be a good thing, right?

Do you guys have evening meetings over there during the summer? They have been very popular over here, especially with younger people who make a night of it (racing and then clubbing afterwards). Although i'm not keen on Newmarket, they have enforced a strict dress code in most areas of the track and after the evening meetings a well know band or singer is on stage for about an hour and a half when racing finishes, people come to see them alone, but they still bet and get dressed up for the whole event.

What i don't understand is how your attendances are falling when you see how much it costs over there (dress code or not). When i went to Santa Anita in March i was given a voucher to get into clubhouse for $1. For me to get into the same calibre meeting into members over here it would cost me between £30-£50 just for entry, which, on the current exchange rate is just short of $60-$100!!

[packerbacker7964]

I could see if it's a Graded Race to dress better but for a non winners since All. come on guys.

[NoChanceToDance]

Horse Racing is the 'sport of kings' but in America it it usually treated like the 'sport of bums' with what many people wear to the track.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by Riot

The 6-7 non-horsey friends and relatives that came with me to Arlington to see Sumwon all had a great time, were impressed by the beauty, cleanliness and classiness of the facility (not a 'degenerate gambling pit') and all intend to get back there this season, as they all had such a good time. And every one of them got brave and tried out a small bet or two.

But it was the horses, and the beauty and excitement, that they enjoyed. If we had been at Aqueduct they'd never return unless they were forced to.

If you can't steal gamblers from other sports (basketball and football), you have to create them anew.

At Keeneland, it is de rigour for all the college kids and young professionals to get dressed to the nines and hit the race track - it's a giant singles scene. Hopefully 5% of them will enjoy the races and the gambling, too, and come back.

When I go to the track, I don't gamble very much - that I do at home or the OTB. Wagering is "work" that takes concentration

At the track I want to see the people, the horses, the paddock, stand at the rail near the starting gate and experience the thrill of a day at the races. I don't want to go to the track to sit indoors or on some secluded patio all day and watch a television monitor full of exacta will pays, or keep my face buried in fig sheets for 20 minutes between races.

It amazes me how some gamblers seem to resent the presence of non-gamblers at the track, even discouraging attendance by phoo-phooing "fun" things tracks do to draw people in.

And yes, I think if you are in the clubhouse or paddock, you should dress the part. It's respect for the history and pagentry of the sport. On a more simple level, it's just good manners.

I'm the exact same way!
good post, I completley agree.

[paisjpq]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

We live in a world of appearance over substance.....luckily so many of us here have both.

I don't care how people dress at a racetrack. I feel sorry for those that do.

I have to agree....

wihile I would rather people dress nice, I don't really care if they show up in a wife beater and cut-off jeans as long as they don't behave like ass.holes.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by paisjpq

I have to agree....

wihile I would rather people dress nice, I don't really care if they show up in a wife beater and cut-off jeans as long as they don't behave like ass.holes.

Now you're just asking too much!

[paisjpq]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

Now you're just asking too much!

sigh....

I know.
I just prefer good behavior over good dress....cause even some of the ones who dress up can't act like adults, you know?

[ArlJim78]

Originally Posted by NoChanceToDance

Horse Racing is the 'sport of kings' but in America it it usually treated like the 'sport of bums' with what many people wear to the track.

that 'king' concept didn't go over so well over here. in fact, we booted them out over 200 years ago.

[viscount26]

Originally Posted by ArlJim78

that 'king' concept didn't go over so well over here. in fact, we booted them out over 200 years ago.

That's because we didn't want it.

[dellinger63]

At Arlington the Friday unofficial dress code at 'Party in the Park' has been a huge success and has raised attendance, especially young people. It was started by the Miller Light girls, there every friday and has ignited a contest of 'who has the shortest shorts?' Men are still dressing the same though we've had no example. Our leading owner wears shorts and t-shirts when taking the 55 winner's photos he's had so far. He did wear a tux when he got his Eclipse Award though.

Though I have NEVER seen Mr. D w/o a suit on and the joke was always that he wore a suit in the shower. People don't dress up for baseball games anymore either. Maybe has something to do with 90 degree plus temperatures. PS I'll be in shorts and a t-shirt today!!!!!

[ArlJim78]

Originally Posted by viscount26

That's because we didn't want it.

touche!