New York State of Mind - by Dan Liebman

re: New York State of Mind - by Dan Liebman

Mel — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:49:47 GMT

One of Steve Stone's comments rang very true -- the need to connect to a younger generation of race fans. Growing up in the northeast, far from tracks, it was absolutely foreign to relate to anyone my age (20-25) who knew a thing about racing. Coming down to NY, I'm meeting more people which is a pleasant surprise. However clearly there are significant inroads to be made. I spent a wonderful afternoon at Belmont last weekend with three friends, picnicking and lounging around. Two had never been to the track before and loved it. What didn't they know? A) Admission is next to nothing. B) Alcohol is permissible (everyone just knows Belmont day rules) as long as it isn't in glass C) You can bring in all the food you can carry. D) How to wager E) How big the back lawn was, how much space is available both trackside and lawnside. I'm no marketing maven, but with concerted publicity through the right venues, we could get a lot of young adults out at the track. Bring in music acts on the back lawn, do promotions with alcohol companies, etc etc or just simply create baseline awareness (For $2 you get 6+ hours of fun that's byob/w!).

I am not familiar with the organization of NYRA, certainly not in its current state, but a few good heads and a few dollars devoted to this could generate a meaningful return. And once you have a young race fan, you have a race fan for many decades.

re: New York State of Mind - by Dan Liebman

Vita — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:59:26 GMT

NY was the first state to have off track wagering and it was not overseen by NYRA. That caused major problems because of less on track wagering and NYRA not getting it's fair share of revenue. NY's OTB showed all other racing juristicions how NOT to do it. Hopefully NY will learn from this lesson and let NYRA run the VLT's and OTB to insure it is allocated it's rightfull % of revenue from these two entities.

Though I don't like the gov'ts hand in everything, I guess there needs to be some kind of state ruling body to watch over NYRA to make sure all of the illegal shenanigans happen again.

I'm glad they got the franchise back, now let's hope they will take the bull by the horn and do what is right not only for NY racing but also for racing as a whole.

re: New York State of Mind - by Dan Liebman

Belmont Imperio — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:32:51 GMT

You will not see casinos at NYRA!.. The state in in debt for billions and yet wont allow NYRA the slots?..Sounds to me like somebody is getting a huge payoff NOT to let track have slots? After all why does NY state need $1,400,000 a day in Tax revenue coming in from the Slots at NYRA?

re: New York State of Mind - by Dan Liebman

STEVE STONE — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:26:17 GMT

Hello Dan....Now that NYRA has been granted an new lease on life for the next quarter of an century..hopefully w/this new stewardship in place they will address not only NYRA'S ills but should become racings indisputable bellwhether insofar as leading the charge on its myriad of callenging issues...The entire racing industry..both domestically and internationally continually turn to them for their confirmation ...Insofar as the VLTS are concerned.. and as we all know..they are not the panacea to racings falling..no growth attendance at tracks across the land... and there are no

studies denoting that VLTs will augment soft attendance..the other vital/essential component.. increasing purses to reach new highs where tracks can now become more competitive..apparently has been overwhelmingly successful...however.. regarding the all vital attendance...generating new and younger fans...there is virtually no crossover between racegoers vis-a-vis slots players...never the road shall meet..Perhaps NYRA can now alter this interesting landscape w/its new family and insight in place...Thank you always Dan for the window...Best regards...Steve Stone..East Hanover..New Jersey...........

re: New York State of Mind - by Dan Liebman

Todd B — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:14:32 GMT

Looks like soon Frank Stronach's Magna Entertainment will be bankrupt as well...The business of racetrack operations has been so mismanaged in this country I'm amazed we still have any around...

re: New York State of Mind - by Dan Liebman

Bernie — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 22:48:57 GMT

15 - 18 more months and no VLT revenue ? How many more years is this gonna go on ? It's been 5 years allready .

re: New York State of Mind - by Dan Liebman

longtimegone — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:58:33 GMT

lets go lets get that casino up and running !!!!!