Frequently Asked Questions About The Saratoga Racetrack

Looking for information about the Racetrack? Find answers to some of our most Frequently Asked Questions below.

Where is the Saratoga Racetrack located?
It is very easy to find the Racetrack. It is located on Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs, New York right off the Northway (I-87) Exit 14. Click here for more detailed directions.

What is the cost of admission?
General admission to the Saratoga Racetrack is $3.00 - when accommpanied by an adult, children 12 and under are admitted free. For the Clubhouse, admission is $5.00. This admission is the same for Giveaway days. Travers Day admission is $5.00 general admission; $10.00 for clubhouse. Reserved seating is sold separately - OR with reservation at ticketmaster.com during the season.

How long is the Saratoga Racing Meet?
Saratoga's 2010 racing season begins on Friday, July 23rd and runs through Labor Day, which is Monday, September 6th. There is no racing on Tuesdays, so the track is sometimes referred to as being "dark" on Tuesdays.

Where should I park?
As soon as you drive toward the track, you will see lots of parking signs... the closer to the track, the higher the fee for parking. Many locals even offer their own parking on their lawns. General parking is free and trackside parking is $10.00. Gates for the trackside parking lot opens at 6:45 a.m. Preferred parking is $5.00 at the Oklahoma Track on the corner of East Avenue and Union Avenue (not trackside). Gates to the preferred parking lot opens at 9 a.m. There is also handicapped parking available at the Clubhouse and Grandstand entrances. Note: No breakfast parking refunds on Travers Day.

When should I get to the track?
For the best seating, it is recommended that you get to the Racetrack early, especially on Giveaway days! Admission gates open at 11 a.m. on weekdays and 10:30 a.m. on weekends. On Travers Day, Saturday, August 28th, 2010, gates open at 7 a.m. If you wish to get to the track earlier, consider Breakast at Saratoga. This is a really unique opportunity to watch the horse's morning workouts, while enjoying a delicious breakfast trackside! The buffet breakfast is served from 7 a.m through 9:30 a.m.

What should I wear?
If you are just coming to hang out in the Grandstand (the main area) or on the lawns near the paddock, we recommend comfortable shoes and casual clothing - hats are always fun and in the spirit of the track. Shoes and shirts are always required. For Box Seats, gentlemen are asked to wear suits or sports coats with slacks and shirts (ties are not required but requested). Women are asked to wear dresses, skirts or slack outfits. Absolutely no shorts or jeans. For the Clubhouse Luxury Suites, Paddock Tent, The Porch Club Terrace & Carousel Restaurant proper attire is required at the discretion of management. Absolutely no short shorts, tank-tops, cut-offs or other abbreviated wear. At the Turf Terrace and Rail Pavilion, neat casual attire is preferred (no shorts or T-shirts) and collared shirts are required for gentlemen. If you are planning on watching the races in the grandstand, shoes and shirts are required at all times.

Are coolers permitted?
You CAN bring coolers if you are planning on watching the races on the lawns in the backyard area, at the Top of the Stretch or on the trackside apron only. You are not allowed to bring your cooler anywhere inside the building. Absolutely NO glass containers. All coolers and any other carry-in items are subject to inspection by NYRA (New York Racing Association) Security.

Are dogs allowed at the Race Track?
No pets of any kind are allowed at the track, except those necessary for medical purposes (ie. seeing-eye dog).

When is the first post-time?
The first post-time of each racing day is 1 p.m., except on Travers Day, Saturday August 28th, 2010, when the first post-time is 12:00 p.m. and sunset racing days ( Dates TBA) when first post time is 2:30 p.m.

Is there any air-conditioning?
There is air-conditioning available in the luxury suites at the Saratoga Racetrack. These are free-standing units with very comfortable seats and a bathroom. These luxury suites are available for a minimum of $65.00. For more information, call 518-584-6200 and ask for Group Sales. Prices and availability may vary. In 2008, air conditioning was also added to the tents at the rail and the paddock.

Are there any picnic areas that can be reserved at the track?
Unfortunately, the picnic areas cannot be reserved.

What are the giveaways?
There are several giveaway days (always Sundays) throughout the Saratoga meet each year. On these days, you are entitled to a free promotional gift with purchase of admission while supplies last. These promotions range from ball caps and T-shirts to folding chairs and coolers. Every year, there is a different lineup of giveaways.

Click here for more information about Giveaway Days

What is Breakfast at Saratoga?
There is a buffet breakfast every day of the Saratoga racing meet from 7 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. where you can watch the horse's morning workouts. Admission to the breakfast is free, except on Traver's Day and vehicles leaving the grounds before 10 a.m. get a parking refund. The breakfast buffet is priced at $14.95 per person, $7.95 for children between the ages of 3 and 12. If you get to the track in the morning, you can also take a tram tour of the Backstretch Area and watch the Paddock Show and Starting Gate Demonstration free of charge. There are no tram tours on Travers Day, Saturday, August 28th, 2010 or Closing Day, Labor Day, Monday, September 6th, 2010. Breakfast is cleared at the conclusion of the breakfast program. If you wish to attend the Race afternoon’s races, there will be an admission upon re-entering the track.

Are there any reserved seating available?
You can now reserve seats online! Since 2008, seating and special packages for the Saratoga Racetrack have been made available through Ticketmaster.com. If you are interested in Grandstand seating, get to the track early as a limited number of Grandstand seats are on sale each morning of a race day at the Reserved Seats Office, located at the Union Avenue Gate at 8 a.m. (7 a.m. on Travers Day). These reserved seats are limited to four per person on a cash-only basis. You can also obtain tickets at the Saratoga Springs Holiday Inn, Broadway and Circular Street in Saratoga Springs beginning at 6 p.m. the evening before each racing day. For more information on reserved seats before racing season begins, call (718) 641-4700, ext. 732. During racing season, call (518) 584-6200. No telephone orders are accepted.

How do I contact the Saratoga Race Course?
For information prior to the season, call (718) 641-4700 or (516) 488-6000. For information or questions during the 2010 Saratoga Season, call (518) 584-6200. For questions, comments or suggestions about this website, please use our contact form.

How do I get a job?
For the Saratoga Racecourse: You would need to call the HR Department at 718-641-4700 from 9-5pm. Or mail a request for an application to: Human Resources PO Box 90 Jamaica NY 11417.

NYRA is also holding 7 open house job fairs at the race course for the 2010 season.

• Dates of open house job fairs TBA

For the The Saratoga Gaming and Raceway (or Harness Track/Racino) send a resume to Saratoga Gaming & Raceway, PO Box 356, 342 Jefferson Street,Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, EOE Email: You may also send cover letter and resume to their Human Resources department at SGRJOBS@dncinc.com, or stop by the Human Resources office in person at the Saratoga Gaming and Raceway Administrative Building. All applicants must complete a NY State Lottery License Application and a pre-employment drug screen.

Is there any Internet connection available at the Racetrack for a laptop computer?
Unfortunately, there are no internet hookups or wireless connections available for laptops at the track.

Can you tell me more about the luxury suites at the track?
The five luxury suites at the Saratoga Racetrack are great for a group outing. They are one of the only spots at the track that offer air conditioning and are located on the Clubhouse turn. Each suite offers theater-style seating, private betting windows, bathrooms, monitors, dining options and a second story observation deck. These luxury suites can be reserved for a weekday, weekend or the entire meet. When available, individual seats will also be offered. Normal cost for tickets are $65.00 per person. Certain race days including Travers Day, the cost for a luxury suite is $75-150.00 per person. For availability, please call NYRA Group Sales at (888) 285-5961.

Are there designated handicapped seating areas, services and parking?
There are specially marked areas designated for wheelchairs in the Clubhouse behind reserved seat section J and in the Grandstand behind section M. One person may accompany and sit with the handicapped person in these areas, and there is handicapped parking available at both the Clubhouse and Grandstand. There are no motorized vehicles or scooters available for rent at the Race Track, so any desired arrangements for such services must be made separately.

Is there a Will Call Box Office where I can leave tickets for friends to pick up?
Yes, there are 3 Will Call pick-up stations at the Track... one for the Clubhouse, one for the Grandstand and one for the Paddock. If you call 518-584-6200 they can put you in line with the Will Call ticket station you are looking for.

What are steeplechase races in Saratoga?
Steeplechase races incorporate obstacles and fence jumping rather than traditional flat track horse racing. There are only a handful of steeplechase races at the Saratoga Race Course each season, averaging about one a week. Generally, these races are rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. You can see the current steeplechasing schedule for Saratoga here.

The 2010 will be released soon. This is the latest information as of February 1, 2010. All information is subject to change. For the most up-to-date prices and information, please visit www.nyra.com/saratoga/