What FL track is better?

[gales0678]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

I'll probably just go with something like a Marriott that I find on Priceline as close to the beach as possible.

Any interesting and not crazy expensive non-chain restaurants?

Perkins

[IrishS]

Originally Posted by Monarchos1

Another vote here for Tampa. There's no contest when comparing the on-track experience. Gulfstream is easily the most fan-unfriendly track I've been to. No sight lines, overpriced concessions, grumpy employees and angry mutuel clerks. You can hardly find a place at GP to actually see the races live, so you're better off to enjoy a nice day at TBD and watch simulcasts of the GP races, which is what you'd be doing at GP anyway.

I need help here. I want to introduce my sister and niece to racing. My sister lives just a few miles from Gulfstream, so we will meet there on Florida Derby weekend. I am from CA and niece a vet from Maryland. I want the experience perfecd so they will continue going to the races. I have never been to Gulfstream. I hear of the problems, but what is the best way to make it a perfect experience in spite of that. Best seats, ease to the paddock--that is important--workouts? I want the whole experience for them, but I can't check and plan it out first. Help for the perfect weekend and hopefully new fans.

[gales0678]

Originally Posted by IrishS

I need help here. I want to introduce my sister and niece to racing. My sister lives just a few miles from Gulfstream, so we will meet there on Florida Derby weekend. I am from CA and niece a vet from Maryland. I want the experience perfecd so they will continue going to the races. I have never been to Gulfstream. I hear of the problems, but what is the best way to make it a perfect experience in spite of that. Best seats, ease to the paddock--that is important--workouts? I want the whole experience for them, but I can't check and plan it out first. Help for the perfect weekend and hopefully new fans.

it's a shame that calder won't be open , i'm sure that any 1st time visit to any track in america on a stakes day won't be a killer for someone new. my guess is they will probably like it

if you go on FL derby day expect big crowds at a track that was not really built for big crowds , calder can accomadate much bigger crowds

[Antitrust32]

Originally Posted by IrishS

I need help here. I want to introduce my sister and niece to racing. My sister lives just a few miles from Gulfstream, so we will meet there on Florida Derby weekend. I am from CA and niece a vet from Maryland. I want the experience perfecd so they will continue going to the races. I have never been to Gulfstream. I hear of the problems, but what is the best way to make it a perfect experience in spite of that. Best seats, ease to the paddock--that is important--workouts? I want the whole experience for them, but I can't check and plan it out first. Help for the perfect weekend and hopefully new fans.

$1 drafts.

Hang out in the "beach" area and picnic tables. Explore the whole place... 2nd and 3rd floors are nice.. there is a VERY expensive asian resteraunt that is pretty good and a good place to go if you are too drunk to drive home. Poker rooms and slots also. You can get a picnic table and switch between there and the paddock seats. There is a buffet on the 2nd floor if you want to do that.

The easiest way to create a new fan for racing is to have them win a bet or two. Dont tell them who to bet though, let them pick a name or color and they will probably win with beginners luck. Explain what the odds mean and how the payouts work and the different kind of bets, but they should stick to WPS bets the first time... (then the horse can run 3rd and they can still get something back).

Its a good time, FL Derby day is PACKED though and it will be very tough to find seats I think..

[Antitrust32]

Originally Posted by gales0678

it's a shame that calder won't be open , i'm sure that any 1st time visit to any track in america on a stakes day won't be a killer for someone new. my guess is they will probably like it

if you go on FL derby day expect big crowds at a track that was not really built for big crowds , calder can accomadate much bigger crowds

true but they have no reason too... nobody goes there. Its like 98% empty ever day except the Sprint Stakes day.

thats why I like it

[Sightseek]

Priceline rules - I just got a resort beach hotel for under $100!

[philcski]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

Priceline rules - I just got a resort beach hotel for under $100!

Which one?