And They're Off!
Saratoga Track Season is upon us.
Here's everything you need to know about where to go and what to do.
First Things First — 2022 Dates
The 40-day Saratoga Race Course summer meet opens on Thursday, July 14, 2022 and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 5.
After the four-day opening weekend from Thursday, July 14 through Sunday, July 17, the track will be open five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays. For the last week, the meet will finish on Labor Day.
This year will be the 95th running of the Grade 1 Whitney Handicap and the 153rd edition of the Grade 1 Travers Stakes.
Second Things Second —Tickets
Reserved seats for the 2022 season will be available in the Clubhouse, Grandstand, The Cutwater Stretch, Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar, Pick Six Picnic Paddock, and The Rail at the 1863 Club. Single-day tickets, weekly plans, and full-season packages for the 2022 summer meet are available for purchase.
NYRA is selling season tickets for general admission. They will get you access to the track, but not a reserved seat.
General admission tickets for the 2022 season will be available on race days at all track admission gates, as well as on Ticketmaster.com.
Where to Park at the Track
The easiest place, of course, would be to park inside the main gate on Union Avenue. But we locals balk at paying that much when there are so many more affordable options.
Just head down Nelson Ave, a little past the Main track entrance, and you'll find gobs of lawn parking from large parking fields, to someone's back yard. Don't worry, they're all legit. And some are as low as $5.
If you're looking for free, you'll want to try to park over at the Oklahoma Training Track at the corner of East Avenue and Union Avenue. But you'd better get there early! These spots go fast!
Dining Options and Reservations
Dining reservations for the 2022 season will be available in The Turf Terrace, The Club Terrace, and The Porch.
The Turf Terrace Dining Room is located on the third and fourth floor of the Clubhouse. The multi-level trackside dining area offers a great view of all the racing action overlooking the finish line. An a la carte menu is served in a formal open-air setting. Make a reservation »
The Club Terrace is located behind the box seat area on the second floor of the Clubhouse overlooking the backyard & paddock. It offers a popular selection of appetizers, refreshing salads and specialty sandwiches in a casual open-air setting. Television monitors are available for viewing of the races. Make a reservation »
The Porch is located on the track level of the Clubhouse just a few feet from the outside rail. It offers an a la carte menu in a casual open-air setting. Make a reservation »
Looking for something more casual? There are lots of Grab-N-Go options available at the food trucks outside the Grandstand, as well as other hospitality areas.
Hospitality areas at the track include:
- Stella Artois Spa Verandas - At the Top of the Stretch
- Tailgate at the Turn - Near the 1863 Club
- Easy Goer (Formerly The Upper Carousel) - Inside the Grandstand
- 1863 Club (Legends Hall & Luxury Suites) - On the Clubhouse turn
- The Festival Tent - In the backyard area
- Big Red Spring Tent - In the backyard area
- Paddock Suite - Above the renovated Post Bar
Prefer to bring your own food? You can bring all the food and drink you want! However, coolers (max size 12" x 18") are only permitted on the trackside apron and at the Top of the Stretch. Fans are welcome to pack and bring their food and beverages (glass is prohibited) with them to the Tailgate at the Turn drive-up hospitality area
Track Tours
The Saratoga Track Walking Tour
The 44-minute tour covers history, highlights, unique architecture, and landscapes at Saratoga Race Course. Discover why they ring a bell at 17 minutes to pos, why there is a canoe in the lake in the infield, and so much more. Tours are scheduled at 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm each racing day and costs $3 per person or $10 for a family.
For more info on track tours, call the Track's Guest Services Department at 518-584-6200 x 4433.
Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour
Adults: $55. Children under 12: $25. The all-inclusive fan experience package features: Buffet breakfast at Saratoga Race Course, an opportunity to watch world-class thoroughbreds during morning training, round-trip, open-air trolley ride from Saratoga Race Course to Old Tavern Farm, 90-minute guided walking tour of an active thoroughbred breeding farm and admission to Saratoga Race Course. Buy Tickets »
Oklahoma Training Track Tour
Adults: $15. Students: $10. Find out why this beautiful and historic site, located across the street from Saratoga Race Course, is a favorite base for leading trainers.
Oklahoma Tours are by reservation only, June through October. The tour begins promptly at 9 a.m. Reservations are required. All reservations must be received 48 hours prior to requested time. To learn more and purchase tickets »
Breakfast at the Track
Enjoy a morning buffet on The Clubhouse Porch at Saratoga Race Course while the thoroughbreds train on the main track.
Breakfast is held daily from 7 to 9:30 a.m. and is available on a first-come, first-served basis (there is no breakfast on Runhappy Travers Day, Saturday, August 28). No reservations are accepted for breakfast dining.
The morning breakfast buffet is $20 for adults and $12 for kids under 12. Admission is free during breakfast hours. Please note that Admission must be paid to re-enter the track once live racing has begun.
You can also bring your own breakfast and watch the horses at the rail.
Where to Get a Jockey's Autograph
What die-hard racing fan doesn't hope they can get their favorite jockey to sign their program or teeshirt? The best place to ask for a jockey's autograph is right in front of the jockey quarters.
You can try to nab their attention after they finish the race and are walking back along the horse path to the jockey quarters. Or, before the race, try as they're leaving for the paddock. Most jockeys will oblige as they make the short walk to meet up with their horses.
Click to see a map of the racetrack to find the paddock and quarters »
Saratoga Track Grounds Map
(Click on image to view enlarged map.)
Want Even More Ideas? Check out our Summer in Saratoga page for all the latest activities and events. While you're at it, why not plan on visiting our many relaxing hotels and delicious restaurants.