NYRA Opens 1863 Club for Off-Season Events

This Thursday, the New York Racing Association has informed the public that the 1863 Club at Saratoga Race Course will be now open for private events during the off-horse racing season. Ergo the venue will be available for bookings after Labor Day and runs through June 2022, while Mazzone Hospitality will be in charge of the catering services.

The 1863 Club was officially introduced back in the 2019 season, and it is a three-story hospitality facility located on the Clubhouse turn and with a view at the Saratoga Race Course’s main track. The venue also features a variety of premium hospitality services and it can be used for weddings, fundraisers, reunions, and corporate dinners.

Open for Events

The first floor of the building called The Rail can accommodate up to 500 people. The second floor presented by Resorts World can fit almost 300 guests, and the third floor offers its visitors three luxury suites. Each of them can accommodate from 30 to 45 guests, and they are perfect for smaller and more intimate gatherings and ceremonies.

NYRA Vice President of Sales and Hospitality Kevin Quinn said that the association has received very positive feedback from people that have attended the 1863 Club in the past. He said that now the association is glad to open the club for year-round use. Mr. Quinn explained that the club with its stunning view of the Saratoga Race Course is perfect for hosting all types of events and sizes during the off-season.

Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus stated that he is looking forward to seeing the club being operational during the off-season. He is optimistic that the venue will attract plenty of interest from group and corporate events. Mr. Shimkus has also said that the reopening of the club during the off-season will most likely benefit Saratoga County as it would attract more tourists.

Mazzone Hospitality will now oversee catering operations at the 1863 Club. The company has 30 years of experience in the business, and its founder Angelo Mazzone stated that the 1863 Club has a special feeling around it. He explained that the company has been working for several years on the partnership and now when it is a reality it is a dream come true.

Giveaway Sale

Previously, the New York Racing Association organized a special giveaway sale, where fans had the opportunity to purchase their favorite collectible items from previous seasons. The sale took place on September 1, 2021, at the Saratoga Race Course, and included items such as Angel Cordero Jr. bobblehead, 2015 Saratoga cooler bag, and long-sleeve tee, 2016 Saratoga zip-up pullover, 2017 Saratoga wall clock, and even more. For the price of US$1 to US$10.

Recruiting for the Summer Meet

In July, the racing association hosted a job fair in order to fill in some positions and prepare for the 2021 summer meet at the Saratoga Race Course. The event was hosted on July 7, 2021, and the association was looking into hiring for numerous positions. The list included betting clerks, cashiers, cleaning staff, food service, hospitality, merchandise assistants, parking attendants, program sellers, security guards, waitstaff, and white caps

Source: McKenna, Pat “1863 Club at Saratoga Race Course available for off-season events, a 1st since 2019 opening“, News10, September 2, 2021