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.

How long is the Saratoga Racing Meet?
Saratoga's 2008 racing season begins on Wednesday, July 23rd and runs 41 days through Monday, September 1st. There is no racing 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 tracksite parking is $10.00. Preferred parking is $5.00 on the corner of East Avenue and Union Avenue (not trackside). There is also handicapped parking available at the Clubhouse and Grandstand entrances. Parking gates open at 7 a.m. on Travers Day, Saturday, August 23rd. Note: No Breakfast parking refunds on Traver's 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 23rd, 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 and Turf Terrace, gentlemen are asked to wear suits or sports coats with slacks and shirts (ties are requested). Women are asked to wear dresses, skirts or slack outfits. Absolutely no shorts or jeans. For the Clubhouse, proper attire is required at the discretion of management. Absolutely no short shorts, tank-tops, cut-offs or other abbreviated wear. At the Rail Pavilion, business casual is preferred (no shorts or T-shirts). 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.

When is the first post-time?
The first post-time of each racing day is 1 p.m., except on Travers Day, Saturday August 23rd, when the first post-time is 12:00 p.m.

Is there any air-conditioning?
There is air-conditioning available ONLY 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.

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 throughout the Saratoga meet each year. On these days, you are entitled to a free promotional gift with purchase of admission while supplies last. NYRA has yet to announce giveaway days for the 2008 season. In 2007, there were 6 giveaway days:

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 23rd, or Closing Day, Labor Day, Monday, September 1st. 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?
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, Saturday, August 23rd). These reserved seats are limited to four per person on a cash-only basis. You can also obtain tickets at the 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, call (718) 641-4700, ext. 732. From July 23rd through September 1st, call (518) 584-6200. No telephone orders are accepted.

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 10 Job Fairs at the race course for the 2008 season.

10:00 am - 2:00 pm on the following dates:

• April 26 - 27
• May 3 - 4
• May 31 - June 1
• June 21 - 22
• June 28 – 29

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 luxury suites at the Saratoga Racetrack are great for a group outing. They are the only spot at the track that offers 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.

This is the latest information as of February 11, 2008. All information is subject to change. For the most up-to-date prices and information, please visit www.nyra.com/saratoga/