The New York Racing Association has
scheduled a hearing next month to gather
public comment on plans to build an addition
to the clubhouse at Saratoga Race
Course.
The hearing will be May 28 at the City
Center in downtown Saratoga Springs.
NYRA has submitted capital plans that
include adding a three-story building
adjacent to the current clubhouse at the
historic track. The addition would replace
the current “At the Rail” pavilion tent and
temporary luxury suites near the clubhouse
turn. The hospitality building would have
a 500-seat room and party suites, NYRA
officials said.
Capital projects at the track require
approval from the state Racing Franchise
Oversight Board and the state Office of
General Services.
The state Franchise Oversight Board,
which oversees NYRA’s business operations,
has approved the draft environmental
impact statement for developing the permanent,
air-conditioned building.
NYRA says the new structure, among
other proposed renovations, would provide
fans broader service choices and an
enhanced experience.
The preliminary design for the building
includes a large space with 500 seats on the
ground level, 12 suites on the second floor,
and three to six suites with capacity on the top floor. Patios would provide views to the
track, paddock and horse path.
NYRA also has long-term plans to replace
or refurbish several backstretch dorms and
horse barns, build 200 new horse stalls and
redesign the jockeys’ room and administration
building into a high-wagering player’s
club, restaurant and lounge. Those would
be funded with revenue generated through
video lottery terminals and electronic table
games at Aqueduct Racetrack, officials
said.
NYRA said it would like to begin construction
on the new building this fall, but
approvals must come first.
NYRA said the plans would be the first
large-scale renovation at the track since
1956. The property’s grandstand was extended
in 1965, and the carousel was built
during the late 1980s.
The public may submit comments about
the track renovations until June 15 to
Carolyn Dunderdale at the state Office of
General Services in Albany.
Photo Courtesy NYRA