Report - Race Track Industry Program
Transcription
Report - Race Track Industry Program
University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program Promotions of 1999 Researched and Compiled By: Heather Haviland Jon Shonk Pat Bove 1 Table of Contents Beulah… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ...4 Calder Race Course… … … … … … … … … … ..6 Del Mar… … … … … … … … … … … … … … ...12 Delta Downs… … … … … … … … … … … … … 16 Ellis Park… … … … … … … … … … … … … … .18 Emerald Downs… … … … … … … … … … … ...29 Fair Meadows at Tulsa… … … … … … … … … 32 Fonner Park… … … … … … … … … … … … … .34 Gulfstream Park … … … … … … … … … … … .39 Hollywood Park … … … … … … … … … … … .40 Hoosier Park… … … … … … … … … … … … ...43 Louisiana Downs… … … … … … … … … … … 51 Monmouth Park … … … … … … … … … … … .53 Remington Park … … … … … … … … … … … .57 River Downs… … … … … … … … … … … … ...59 Sam Houston Race Park… … … … … … … … .60 Santa Anita… … … … … … … … … … … … … ..64 Wyoming Downs… … … … … … … … … … … 65 2 Appendix… … … … … … … … … … … … … … 68 Track A… … … … … … … … … … … … .69 Track B… … … … … … … … … … … … .70 Track C… … … … … … … … … … … … .72 Track D… … … … … … … … … … … … .74 Track E… … … … … … … … … … … … . 77 Track F… … … … … … … … … … … … ..78 Track G… … … … … … … … … … … … .80 Track H… … … … … … … … … … … … .81 Track I… … … … … … … … … … … … ...82 Cover Art… … … … … … … … … … … ...83 3 Beulah Park Most Effective Promotion: The Beulah Twins As a small track, Beulah needed to come up with something very different to make people take notice. Knowing that the Beulah signal could not compete with major tracks, management came up with a TV formatted signal that featured “Twin Picks.” As an alternative to the traditional “talking heads” concept, they pulled two attractive twin girls off the mutuel line and had them trained to do handicapping shows between the races. Since incorporating the twins into Beulah’s TV program, off track numbers have increased over $20+ million. Additionally, the Beulah Twins have been covered by the TV show Extra, featured in a New York Daily News article, highlighted in an eight page feature on the Playboy website, and featured on the WWF. Cost of this Promotion: N/A 4 Schedule of Promotions Summer Events: June 3 Country Jam Concert -Jo Dee Messina -The Wilkersons -Ty Herndon -Rascal Flats June 23-35 Big Bear Hot Air Balloon Festival -Mass Balloon Ascensions (twice daily) -Village People in Concert -Beach Boys in Concert -Clint Black in Concert -Richard Scarys Busytown Express -Arts and Crafts July 1 Grove City Fireworks Display -Fireworks and local music Additional Promotions: Newcomer Club Mystery Voucher Handicapping Contest 60 Second Betting Spree Hat Giveaway Old Times Weekend Kentucky Derby Party Budweiser Clydesdale 5 Calder Race Course Most Effective Promotion: Family Days and Irish Fest The Festival of the Sun is Calder’s premier event. It features $1.5 million in stakes races including the finals of the Florida Stallion Stakes. The day showcases equine related acts between each race, a live anthem singer, a Sports Village, a Horse Fair Village, Chuckwagon Mack (who tells tales of the old west), a retired thoroughbred ceremony, and a parade of breeds featuring over 30 different types of horses. The event is successful because it combines great racing, entertainment, and events for those who love horses. In order to ensure media support, a media party is given 3 days before the event. A number of stations (including TVG) chose to broadcast live from the track. The Junior Jockey Club started recently and has proven to be a tremendous success. By the end of the meet, they were able to boast over 350 members. Members received (free) monthly newsletters and participated in on-track events and Internet contests. Family Days have expanded from 11 to 20 days a year. They include a petting zoo, pony rides, a rock climbing wall, and other kids-themed activities. The event is free and Calder offers a hot dog special for kids so parents spend little money on the event. Irish Fest was held for the first time last year at Calder. The track teamed up with The Irish Cultural Institute to put on a day filled with Irish performers, vendors, dancers, and beer. Many people of Irish heritage attended which contributed to the festive atmosphere. (There was no cost, but a charity donation was made to the institute for coordinating the event.) 6 Cost of Promotions: The Marketing Department feels this is difficult to access. While dollar amounts were available, they felt they would not be useful. An example would be the fact that the market in Miami is high when it comes to advertising costs (when compared the rest of the country). Also, promotions are usually funded from different accounts. The track also utilizes the NTRA rebate program to recoup some of their costs advertising costs. In addition, Florida tracks have a special fund set aside through the HBPA. This group is called the South Florida Thoroughbred Marketing Corporation and it works with each Florida track to determine promotions and events. Those specific events are funded at no cost to the track. Other considerations include the fact that some of the best promotions cost little or nothing for the track. For example, the Irish Fest is set up through the Irish Cultural Institute, which is a 501C charity. Funds are set up for the Irish Fest from a community relations budget and not from the marketing budget. In addition, sponsors can help recoup costs of an event. An example would be the Festival of the Sun Day which has a Horse Fair Village featuring live demonstrations such as a blacksmithing and various horse breeds. Coca-Cola sponsors this event every year. Least Effective Promotion: No promotions were deemed poor. However, there was one promotion the Marketing Department felt needed some improvement. They are making efforts to enhance this year’s Women’s Day. The promotion gives women free admission, $500 shopping sprees, and allows for group parties of ten or more at discounted prices. Schedule of Promotions Junior Jockey Club Events: June Junior Jockey Club sign-ups during Family Days July 4 Sunday Calder Jockeys Meet Junior Jockeys with autographs, Free photos of jockeys Junior Jockey Club Goggles Giveaway to each child Aug 1 Sunday Silks Photo Day where the kids dress up in silks with photos taken Derby Anniversary Matchbook Car Giveaway the kids their own matchbook car featuring the Kentucky Derby logo with a horse's head 7 Sept 5 Sunday Farrier Demonstration/Horseshoe Giveaway the kids can watch a demonstration on how to shoe a horse, why horses wear shoes and they receive a free horseshoe Derby Horse Beanie Baby Giveaway where the kids receive a Derby beanie baby Sept 6 Monday America's Day at the Races with various events and activities sponsored on Labor Day Oct 3 Sunday Discovery Paddock is a hands on exhibit to introduce children to racing with activities including riding training pony, wearing jockey silks, pretending to shoe a horse, weighing in on the scale, matching a horse's name with parents' names, matching the speed of athlete's to the proper sport, identifying racetrack jobs, coloring in their own racing silks, matching foal pictures with champion racehorses, and putting together a horse puzzle Pokemon Trading Cards Giveaway to the first 500 kids Entering the park Nov 13 Saturday Internet Trivia Contest where kids get to see what they have learned from the Club by trying to answer trivia questions about horse racing Calder Games Room Tokens Giveaways where kids receive free game tokens to use in the game room Dec 5 Sunday Horses Wear Things Too where kids can learn about the gear that is necessary for riding and training by handling the equipment close up and personal Florida's Thoroughbred Coloring Book Giveaway where the kids receive a coloring book filled with horses and facts about them and the thoroughbred industry in Florida Monthly Newsletter - mailed to all Junior Jockey Club members, features upcoming events, questions/answers section and coloring Internet JJC - includes a schedule of events and a link to fun sites with horses as well kids get 8 to watch the site for trivia contest and e-mail their answers to Calder Certificate of Participation - at the end of the meet all JJC members will get a certified mailed home noting their membership for the meet Family Day - featured the first Sunday of the month with rotating themes which includes games, rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, a rock climbing wall and it is free Family Fun Days: Each Family Day - regardless of theme - will have pony rides, the petting zoo and a rock climbing wall. May 23 Sunday Ocean World with Titanic Adventure slide, Willy the Whale, dunk tank titled "Man Eating Shark," Lobster Launch (flipping a lobster into a pot) and a Spinning Fish Ride June 6 Sunday The Land Before Time Dino Bounce, T-Rex Interactive walk-through dinosaur mascot and a Hoola Hoop game July 4 Sunday Carnival Day Spinning Tops ride, Circus Bounce, Mini Midway Games, tattoo booth, balloon making clown, giant slide and cotton candy Aug 1 Sunday Jungleland Giant caterpillar crawl through, Flying Bug Ride, Frog bog (flip a frog onto a lily pad and Win a prize) Sept 5 Sunday Wild Wild West Western Bounce House, Laser Ace Western Shootout, Kiddy train, Rodeo roper (sit on a horse and try to rope a calf that runs) Oct 3 Sunday Extreme Games Obstacle course, Gladiator pole joust, inflatable hoops basketball and moon bounce Nov 13 Sunday Island Family Day Pirate ship, Make your own necklace, Hermit crab racing, Caribbean Wheel of Fortune and a tropical balloon making clown Dec5 Sunday Super Sports First Down interactive football game, 9 Speed Pitch, Hole-in-one Putting Challenge and Sports Wheel of Fortune Jan 2 Sunday Best of Family Days Titanic Adventure Slide, Dino Bounce, Speed Pitch and Spin Art Woman's Day 1999 July 10: § All women attend the races FREE! § Here the accomplishments of women in racing who compete equally with men at the "Women in Racing" program. § Enter to win $500 shopping sprees! § Enjoy all filly and mare races. § Learn how to Handicap with the track's own race analyst. § Visit the Gift Shop which features the newly published book Great Women in the Sport of Kings where America's top women jockeys tell their stories. § Bring a few friends or host a group of ten or more on this special day which include a deluxe lunch, a race named in your honor, color photo taken with a jockey, reserved seating near the finish line in the clubhouse, racing programs, wagering guides, valet parking, garden paddock tours and a special gift for each guest for only $12.95 per person. Festival of the Sun Events: Kids' Super Sports Village Horse Village - Pony rides Petting Zoo Bouncehouse Discovery Paddock 11:00-5:00 P.M. Picnic Grove - Papa John's Pizza Pop a Shot Basketball - Rodeo Roper - Speed Pitch Baseball - Surge Entertainment Van 11:00-5:00 P.M. Horses on Display Gypsy Vanner American Quarter Horse Andalusian/Tennessee Walking Horse 10 West End - Mini Horses Pet a cuddly miniature horse - Equine Resource Fair Herbs of the World Veterinary Alternatives Therapeutic Riding The Healing Touch Florida Racing University of Miami Equestrian Team Horse Protection Association of Florida F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - Horse Tattoo Booth Temporary Horse Tattoos - Chuckwagon Mack Tells tales of Old West from a chuckwagon - Demonstrations Blacksmith Equine Therapist Acupuncturist Horse Dentistry On-Track Demonstrations - Noon- 2:30 P.M. Track The National Anthem in the Winner's Circle Andalusion Show featuring a troupe of Spanish dancing horses Retired Thoroughbred Ceremony being recognized in the winner's circle Parade of Breeds Attendance and Handle Charts 11 Del Mar Most Effective Promotion: 4 O’Clock Fridays This promotion set on Fridays featured a later post time (4pm instead of 2pm) and a live concert directly following the live racing. The later post time enabled them to offer their product at a time when a younger audience could access it following work on Fridays. The concerts created an atmosphere of higher energy due to the younger demographic and significantly boosted attendance for the seven Fridays during the 1999 meet. Cost of Promotion: $40,000 Least Effective Promotion: While the Marketing Department improved many of the least effective promotions of 1998, they feel that all of their 1999 season promotions were effective and will be repeating them in their upcoming 2000 season. Schedule of Promotions July 23 Friday Four O'Clock Fridays Concert after races Camp Del Mar for kids 5-12 July 24 Saturday Family Fun Day/Infield Free Handicapping Seminar/Seaside Terrace "Celebrate the Champions at Del Mar"-Gala fundraiser for UC Davis Center for Equine Health/After the races Camp Del Mar for kids 5-12 July 25 Sunday 8:00am Turf to Surf 5K run 12 Sports & Fitness Festival/Infield during races Family Fun Day/Infield Free Handicapping Seminar-12:30-1:15pm/Seaside Terrace Camp Del Mar for kids 5-12 July 30 Friday Four O'Clock Friday Concert after races Camp Del Mar for kids 5-12 July 31 Saturday Family Fun Day/Infield Free Handicapping Seminar -12:30-1:15pm/Seaside Terrace Camp Del Mar for kids 5-12 Aug 1 Sunday Hat Giveaway sponsored by Vinery.net Racing Club (free DMTC Logo cap with paid admission---while supplies last) Family Fun Day/Infield Free Handicapping Seminar -12:30-1:15pm/Seaside Terrace Camp Del Mar for kids 5-12 Aug 6 Friday Four O'Clock Friday Concert after races Camp Del Mar for kids 5-12 Aug 7 Saturday Family Fun Day/Infield Free Handicapping Seminar -12:30-1:15pm/Seaside Terrace Camp Del Mar for kids 5-12 Aug 8 Sunday Family Fun Day/Infield Fiesta Del Mar, Latino entertainment all day/Infield Free Handicapping Seminar -12:30-1:15pm/Seaside Terrace Handicapping Contest Camp Del Mar for kids 5-12 Aug 13 Friday Four O'Clock Friday Concert after races Camp Del Mar for kids 5-12 Aug 14 Saturday Donuts Day-8:00-10:00am/Seaside Terrace, sponsored in part by Vinery.net Racing Club Family Fun Day/Infield 13 Western Regional Chili Cookoff/Infield 12:005:00pm; Live music, free chili Free Handicapping Seminar -12:30-1:15pm/Seaside Terrace Camp Del Mar for kids 5-12 Aug 15 Sunday Family Fun Day/Infield Free Handicapping Seminar -12:30-1:15pm/Seaside Terrace Camp Del Mar for kids 5-12 Aug 20 Friday Four O'Clock Friday Concert after races Camp Del Mar for kids 5-12 Aug 21 Saturday Tribute to Longden and Shoemaker Leon Rasmussen Booksigning "Inbreeding to Superior Female Families"Approximately 12:00-2:00pm in front of the Racing Office (Clubhouse Entrance) Family Fun Day/Infield Horseplay’s Holiday Trip Giveaway Free Handicapping Seminar -12:30-1:15pm/Seaside Terrace Camp Del Mar for kids 5-12 Aug 22 Sunday Family Fun Day/Infield Horseplay’s Holiday Trip Giveaway Handicapping Contest Free Handicapping Seminar -12:30-1:15pm/Seaside Terrace Camp Del Mar for kids 5-12 Aug 27 Friday Four O'Clock Friday Concert after races Horseplay’s Holiday Trip Giveaway Camp Del Mar for kids 5-12 Aug 28 Saturday Boxing at the Beach-The card for the evening will feature five bouts, each of which is scheduled for four rounds Donuts Day-8:00-10:00am/Seaside Terrace, sponsored in part by Vinery.net Racing Club Family Fun Day/Infield Horseplayers Holiday Trip Giveaway Free Handicapping Seminar -12:30-1:15pm/Seaside 14 Terrace Camp Del Mar for kids 5-12 Aug 29 Sunday Pacific Classic T-shirt Giveaway-with paid admission Linda McCoy Murray Booksigning, of the late Jim Murray's book, The Last of the BestApproximately 12:00-2:00pm adjacent to the Best Pal Pub in paddock. Family Fun Day/Infield Free Handicapping Seminar -12:30-1:15pm/Seaside Terrace Camp Del Mar for kids 5-12 Sept 3 Friday Four O'Clock Friday Concert after races Camp Del Mar for kids 5-12 Sept 4 Saturday Jockey Photo Day-12:00-1:00pm/Grandstand Plaza Family Fun Day/Infield Free Handicapping Seminar -12:30-1:15pm/Seaside Terrace Camp Del Mar for kids 5-12 Sept 5 Sunday Jockey Photo Day-12:00-1:00pm/Grandstand Plaza Family Fun Day/Infield Free Handicapping Seminar -12:30-1:15pm/Seaside Terrace Camp Del Mar for kids 5-12 15 Delta Downs Most Effect Promotion: Breeder's Cup Fanfest and "It's Going to be a Great Summer" This year was the Breeder's Cup Fanfest inaugural year and it featured a live concert, a gumbo cook-off, and simulcasting of the Breeder's Cup. While the event occurred during down time at Delta Downs, it drew the largest crowd of the meet. The Marketing Department plans to make this an annual event. During the Quarter Horse meet, the track also featured an ad campaign saying "It's Going to be a Great Summer." The theme had a Hawaiian/beach theme and the advertising ran all summer long. Cost of Promotion: $12,000 Least Effective Promotion: The Marketing Department does not recall any of their promotions not working at least to some extent. 16 Promotions -- 2000 Apr 22 Saturday John Alleman Memorial Stakes. Featuring Louisiana-breds three and older, $12,000 purse. Apr 23 Sunday The Easter Bunny was everywhere at Delta Downs. Approximately a hundred kids turned out for the track’s second annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 23rd. There were lots of colored eggs hidden in the spacious Delta Downs grounds for the kids to uncover, plus a photo opp with the Easter Bunny, himself or herself in this case as Delta Down’s own Brenda Guidry of Transportation donned the rabbit get-up. Keeping a hundred kids entertained-and under control-was public relatoions’ Debbie Bishop. Apr 24 Monday Kori Rae Edison Golf Scramble Big Success! After a two week postponement of the annual Delta Downs golf tournament-due to inclement weather-needless to say everyone was itching to hit the ball! Forty-two players teed it up Monday, April 24 at Pine Shadows Golf Course in Lake Charles, including jockeys Randy Edison and Tim Town, trainers Connie Begnaud, Mike Lyles, and Mark Castille. Also in the field was local police juror Sandy Treme of Dequincy who led off in the opening foursome. The tournament was dedicated to help the medical fund for 4-month old Kori Rae Edison, daughter of the aforementioned Randy, the jockey, and his wife Hope. Almost $1,000 was raised by event sponsors and participants. Taking top honors with a blazing 7-under par 65 was the team captained by Delta’s Chief of Security, Chad Bonneau. The long-hitting Bonneau’s teammates included trainer Mark Castille, Michael Van Dyke, and Leonard Chellette. Bonneau was edged on the long-drive hole by Jack Starkey of the track’s TV department. Winning closest-to-the-hole honors on the pat threes were: Joey Rentz, a valet at the track, Steve Terpovich, chartcaller for Equibase, plus David Smith and Tony Romero. An additional golf tournament staged by Delta Downs will likely take place toward the end of May to raise money for the Don MacBeth memorial Fund, one of the major sponsors of the Edison tournament. 17 Ellis Park Most Effective Promotion: Toys For Tots Every child (12 years old or younger) was given a free toy upon entering at the gate. The Marketing Department feels this ‘pulls’kids and their parents to the track just as McDonalds ‘pulls’children to their fast food stores with the use of Happy Meals. Drawing children to the track lets their parents choose Ellis as their entertainment choice of the day. It was apparent this promotion worked due to the increased attendance of people between the parental ages of 23 through 38. The second most popular promotion of the meet was the Internet area. Ellis Park provided free Internet service with free hardware set up for anyone's use. The area was used by children for entertainment and distraction, while adults used it as an informational gathering facility. Ellis Park was able to get all the hardware and ISP at no cost to the track. Cost of Promotion: 1.5% of marketing budget (toys for tots) / 0% (Internet area) Least Effective Promotion: Festival of the Bands The track had local bands perform for race fans between races. A local radio station sponsored the event. The Marketing Department felt like this was a good idea because it had been successful in the past. However, the horseman, track personnel, and dedicated horse racing fans fought the Marketing Department the whole time. While it did bring new people to the track for a day of total entertainment, the Marketing Department felt the effort exceeded any benefit. Cost of Promotion: 0% 18 Schedule of Promotions Daily Promotions: Wednesday-Monday Kids Toys Each day kids 12 and under will be admitted free of charge and be given a free toy when they enter. Everyday the toy distributed is different. Treasure Chest Each day, all Jr. Jockey Club members can enter to win a treasure chest full of prizes. We will announce near the end of the day the winner. We put their member number on a golden coin and submerge it in a treasure chest full of sand. We draw the winning number from the sand. If a child is not a Jr. Jockey club member, they may become one by signing up at the Marketing Information Table in front of the Winners Circle. Internet Area Three computer stations will be set up for Internet service. Any race fan wanting to use the Internet area will be allowed. This is not for employee use. It will be located in the Sky Theater entrance just off the grandstand. Jockey Trading Cards In the Winner’s Circle will be a container full of jockey trading cards. When the four riders that have to weigh in following a race leave the Winner’s Circle they will take a handful of cards with them. We will hand them out along the rail as they walk back to the dressing room. We will autograph them if asked. The cards are a mix of different jockeys. Final Furlong Simulator Located inside the same area as the Internet Area will be two Final Furlong Simulators. Ellis Park will make them available to anyone wanting to ride. We will receive the profit from the games. We could donate the funds to the Foundation. NTRA Go Baby Go Display This display is informational with an interactive screen about racing and Ellis Park. The information located on the display is about Jockeys, Ellis Park, and racing. It stands about 8 foot tall and spans about 15 feet. We will be able to put our brochure and other pieces of information in the display. It is sharp in looks and will probably need to be located inside the clubhouse. 19 Rally’s Race for Free Fries Everyday radio station WKDQ will be asking for a specific caller to name the number horse they think will win the 7th race. The caller will tell WKDQ and will win prizes from Ellis Park, WKDQ and Rally’s. WKDQ will call us with the pick. Marketing will select someone from the entry forms entered in our drawing drum to go to the Winner’s Circle following the 5th race. We will take our wheel of fortune wheel to the Winner’s Circle and the person will spin. The wheel has special slots on it such as, the number of each horses in the race, a “no win” slot, the even numbered horses in the race, and a slot for the odd numbered horses. If the horse that was selected wins, Ellis Park will give everyone at Ellis Park a coupon for free fries from Rally’s. The coupons are distributed following the last race by the admissions department personnel at all entrances. Weekly Promotions: Monday Ladies Day With the only exception of opening and closing days, each Monday, Ellis Park will thank all ladies for attending by offering free admission. They will be offered daiquiris at a discounted price and we have contacted ladies fashion stores to perform Still Fashion Shows. Craft shows with Golden Harvest Arts & Crafts will be available on certain ladies days. Wednesday For Men Only Men like to be pampered also, so we’ve created a day for men only. Each Wednesday, men can buy beer for a buck. Plus, with a paid $2.00 general admission ticket, he will receive a $2.00 daily double ticket. Thursday Senior Citizens Day Seniors fifty-five or above will be admitted free of charge and given a 10% discount towards all purchases in the Ellis Park gift shop, and food and concession stands. Everyday at Ellis Park seniors receive a 50% reduction in general admission. Luke’s Likes Two racing fans for seven of the days races will have the chance to agree or disagree with track announcer Luke Kruytbosch. Luke will pick his choice to win the race. He will be challenged by an Ellis Park director or group of employees from a department. The racing fan can either agree with Luke or his challenger and Ellis Park will place a $25.00 bet on that horse. Or the racing fan can disagree with both and take $5.00 in cash for his 20 or herself. If the racing fan agrees with either Luke or his challenger, Ellis Park will place a $25.00 win ticket on the horse Luke Likes or the choice of his challenger, the racing fan will receive all moneys from the winning ticket. Los Toribio Gift Certificate Los Toribio restaurants in Henderson will honor a lunch or dinner gift certificate for four. We will select the winner from entry forms placed in the program and dropped off in our drawing drum. Friday $20,000 hole-in-one Five racing fans will be able to tee it up in front of the Winner’s Circle and make a holein-one for all that cash. This is the fourth year for the popular event. The golfer may bring his/her own club and tee to the green just to the south of the tote board. The one closes to the pin wins a golden putter with Ellis Park engraved in the putter. It is mounted on a display board so the winner may hang it up in his/her office or house. Each participate wins certificates. Saturday Band Each Saturday, local musicians play music as racing fans enter the gates for live racing at 11:30. Between races, the band will perform in front of the main grandstand. They perform for three hours. Radio Giveaways Emerson Manufacturing has pledged five radios for us to give away each Saturday. This is a no cost item. Emerson will also be handing out sample certificates for everyone that enters Ellis Park. Mascot The Ellis Park mascot will perform for race fans. Saturday Morning Trackside Track announcer, public relations person and guest will handicap the races for that Saturday, interview the guest and discuss issues concerning racing, Ellis Park and many other topics. Breakfast is served free of charge. A tour of the barn area aboard our antique firetruck is made available following the presentations and interviews. 21 Carriage Rides Race fans will be able to sign up to take a carriage ride around the race track. After every other race a group of four will be able to ride in a carriage around the levee of the track and be told historical information about Ellis Park Sunday Free Admission with $.50 Hot Dogs and $.50 Soft Drinks Each Sunday, all racing fans can enter Ellis Park at no charge for general admission. In addition and even more popular, racing fans can purchase Hot Dogs and Soft Drinks for fifty cents apiece. Dixieland Band Dixieland music returns each Sunday with the popular Doc Stocker Dixieland Band. The band will perform just like the band on Sunday. Mascot and Carriage Rides Same as Saturday. Additional Promotions: Monday, June 28 Miss Ellis Park Scholarship pageant sponsored by National City Bank. Winner represents Ellis Park for an entire year. T-Shirt Giveaway Ellis Park will be giving away t-shirts to the first 2,500 race fans. The shirts will allow fans to gain free admission any weekday of the live meet while wearing the t-shirt. Saturday, July 3 Jockey’s Across America Don McBeth Memorial Fund event where jockeys sign autographs and promote in their respective communities. 1999 Festival of Bands 22 WKDQ & WKTG radio stations will be putting on a festival of music and giveaways. Some country and some rock bands will be performing in the Grassy Knoll area of Ellis Park. Wilkerson Survey Wilkerson & Associates from Louisville will survey race fans here at Ellis Park. Sunday, July 4 1999 Festival of Bands Monday, July 5 1999 Festival of Bands Saturday, July 10 Vertical Wall Ellis Park race fans will have an opportunity to climb a vertical rock wall. It will not cost the climber anything. NASCAR Promotional Giveaway The first 250 children 12 and under with an adult paid admission to Ellis Park will receive a replica NASCAR Mini car. One race fan will win tickets to the August 7th Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis. Sunday, July 11 Vertical Wall Friday, July 16 Hopskinsville Tour The Hopskinsville Recreation Class will be touring our facilities at 10:30 AM. Wilkerson Survey Saturday, July 17 Vertical Wall First Annual Summer Cookout The first annual summer cookout will feature The Tri-State Food Bank bringing an assortment of entertainment to Ellis Park. Admission will be free with a donation of two 23 non-perishable food items or a minimum of a $2.00 donation to the Tri-State Food Bank. Roaming Magicians, clowns, and a restaurant or two for tasting will make our day special. A cookie stacking and pie eating contests and so much more will be involved. Meecham County Hams will bring out a 20 foot grill and sell pork chops, sandwiches, pork burger sandwiches, and grilled country hams. A Palm tree pool full of sand with a few golden trinkets in the sand for prizes, with sun tan and hot tub prizes, will be given away. Sunday, July 18 Vertical Wall Mascot Race The new Ellis Park mascot, other mascots from the area, and Churchill mascots, will be invited to participate in a race. They will take off from the starting gate and dash 100 yards to the finish line. Marketing will provide a trophy to the winner. Saturday, July 24 Town & Country Ford/WKDQ Day Town & Country Ford and WKDQ will be given a Ford Truck Giveaway/Sponsor’s Day. They will give a blanket away, present a trophy, and name a race after Town & Country. We will put them up in the Sky Theater. Wednesday, July 28 Jasper Engines NASCAR NASCAR sponsored team Jasper Engines will bring their replica car here to be displayed. An assistant of the team will be here answering questions, giving out memorabilia, and promoting the team via our simulcasting system. Saturday, July 31 End of the Millenium Golf The first 250 race fans will receive a vinyl golf ball holder sleeve and have the chance to win golf packages. A swing analyzer will be here for our golfing, horse racing fans. WGBF will bring out their golf chippong game; provide prizes and more. Sunday, August 1 Wilkerson Survey End of the Millenium Golf Weekend Getaway 24 Saturday, August 7 Vertical Wall River City Rumble IV Kickboxing matches in the evening under the Terrace Grandstand. Professional matches sponsored by local businesses and promoted by a local promoter. Junior Jockey Club Giveaway The first 500 Junior Club members with the paid admission by the adult accompanying them will receive an “insulated lunch sack.” WIKY’s new mascot “WIKY-ROO” will make an appearance. Sunday, August 8 Vertical Wall Saturday, August 14 White County Day Race fans from White County, Illinois have been invited to Ellis Park and given free admission and parking. Vendors from White County will set up in the tunnel of our grandstand. They will sell their products at no charge to them. White County businesses will be solicited for prizes to be given away between races. White County community leaders will be introduced between races and given a forum to present their community to the simulcast sites and local fans at Ellis. A White County high school band will be asked to perform the National Anthem and perform between races. The band will be presented with a $500 donation between one of the races. Wilkerson Survey Hot Air Balloon Ride Giveaway We will be giving everyone a chance to win a hot air balloon ride package. It will include a weekend package in Louisville or Lexington and a ride in a hot air balloon. Name the Mascot Winner Presentation We will be giving the Bambino League Baseball Team that suggests the name of our mascot, which has been selected by Ellis Park employees, a day at the races. Free admission and parking to all players and coaches. We will name a race after the team. We will give each player, their parents and the teams’coaches a coupon for two free hot 25 dogs and two free soft drinks. We will have the team make a blanket presentation with our mascot. We will take the team backside for a tour. Saturday, August 21 1999 Organ Donorama/Mike Pegram Day Racing fans visiting Ellis will be encouraged to sign the back of their drivers license as an organ donor. Some local media celebrities will set at our designated tables to witness the signings and sign their licenses. This will include Mike Pegram. Mike will also sign autographs. Saturday, August 28 Vertical Wall Gardenia Stakes Balloon Race 15 hot air balloons to take off with passengers from the race crowd on an hour long race. The winners receive prize money and amenities. Take off time will be during our live races between races and will let down between races. Gardenia Parachute Landing Five parachutes will land at 12:15 on our track. Gardenia Flowers The first 100 ladies entering will receive a Gardenia to wear. We will mark two of the Gardenias so both people will win a Gardenia bush each. The Princeton High School Band The band will march down our track playing their fight song before the first race. They will then play the National Anthem. Following Bretts playing of My Old Kentucky Home, the band will play Back Home in Indiana. They will perform between three or four races. We will present them with a $500 donation. Queen of Racing WKTG will give one lucky winner of their on air promotion a complete new wardrobe for the day, health and beauty treatment, limo service to Ellis, a dozen roses, box of chocolates, $93 for spending, star treatment, and be accompanied be a guest to Ellis. We will give her free general and Sky theater admission, a table for four in our Sky Theater and give her party our lunch buffet, (drinks not included). We will name a race after her and let her present a blanket, our treat. 26 Truck Qualifying 45 people at Ellis will qualify to win our Town & Country Ford Truck which will be given away September 6th. Steeplechase Races Two additional races have been added to Gardenia Day. The two are steeplechase races. They will take place on the turf course. Sunday, August 29 Vertical Wall Friday, September 3 Triple Crown Ticket Giveaway Listeners of WKTG will register at several Tri-State businesses, including Ellis Park, to win a Triple Crown package. The package will include two tickets to each race including air fare and hotel accommodations for two nights. Air fare to Baltimore and New York only. The winning name will be drawn here at Ellis. Saturday, September 4 Vertical Wall Concert Tickets Giveaway WABX radio station will place registration boxes throughout Ellis Park for 3-10 day periods in July or August. Racing fans will register to win three pairs of tickets to three different concerts, including the Summer Blues Jam featuring B. B. King, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Tower of Power on September 4. Sunday, September 5 Vertical Wall Monday, September 6 Vertical Wall America’s Day at the Races Multitude of promotions on all at once. From Horseshoe coloring contests, to parading of different breeds of horses and t-shirt throws. This is presented by the TRA and sanctioned by the NTRA. Ellis Park will be one of the feature race tracks that day. Ford Truck Giveaway 27 Town & Country Ford has provided Ellis with a two year lease on a Ford Truck. Radio station WKDQ will have qualified 54 listeners and Ellis Park will qualify 45 race fans on Gardenia Day. Qualifiers will be given a chance to select an ignition key. If that key fits the truck is the winning key. Only one key will start the truck. Obviously not everyone will get the chance to try and start the truck. If someone does not get the opportunity, they simply don’t win. Six Town & Country Ford representatives will be allowed access to our Sky Theater for this day. Lunch will be provided to them by Ellis Park (drinks not included). 28 Emerald Downs Most Effective Promotion: Father's Day Every year at Father's Day, the track hosts a special day for dads. They attribute their high attendance to three main factors. The first being they give away free caps to all race fans entering the park. The second factor is the beginning of their Family Days, which has special activities for all ages. The Marketing Department is also convinced that dads like the track and it is where they want to spend their day. The promotion will be back for the year 2000. Cost of Promotion: $23,000 or 7.4% of budget Least Effective Promotion: Hot Air Balloon Glow The Marketing Department liked the idea to have the balloons glowing over the track at night. Unfortunately, it was poorly executed by the track on all sides (for example some of the balloons did not work, etc). Cost of Promotions: $5,000 Schedule of Promotions April 15 Saturday Opening Day April 16 Sunday Direct Mail Promotion (Lucky Numbers) April 30 Sunday Umbrella Giveaway May 6 Saturday Kentucky Derby Broadcast May 14 Sunday Mother's Day 29 May 20 Saturday Preakness Stakes June 3 Saturday Belmont Stakes June 18 Sunday Father's Day and Budweiser Cap Giveaway June 25 Sunday Irish Day and Mike Pegram Autograph Day July 3 Monday Fireworks Spectacular July 4 Tuesday Independence Day July 16 Sunday Boeing Day July 21 Friday BFN #1 July 30 Sunday Mt Rainier Breeder's Cup Aug 4 Friday BFN #2 Aug 6 Sunday America's Day at the Races Aug 11 Friday BFN #3 Aug 12 Saturday Hot Air Balloon Glow Aug 13 Sunday Mascot Day Aug 18 Friday BFN #4 Aug 19 Saturday Lga Fan Festival UNCF Walkathon Aug 20 Sunday Lga Mile Sweepstakes Fan Festival Aug 25 Friday BFN #6 Aug 27 Sunday Weyerbaeuser Day Sept 2 Saturday US Bank Day Sept 3 Sunday Derby Day Sept 4 Monday Labor Day 30 Sept 10 Sunday Golfstein Futurity Fan Appreciation Day Sept 11 Monday Closing Day 31 Fair Meadows at Tulsa Most Effective Promotion: Coke Bottle Bonanza Night The local television station, KJRH Channel 2, and Coca-Cola sponsored an event where ten names were randomly drawn (names corresponded to a horse's number) in the featured race. If their horse won, then that person had to select one Coca-Cola bottle out of a hundred placed in the winner's circle. One bottle was worth $222,222. The person selected to pick the bottle was guaranteed to win at least $2,222 and the other nine contestants won $222. Cost of Promotion: $7,400 (Insurance) Least Effective Promotion: Mystery Mutuel Voucher The Marketing Department mailed over 30,000 cards to Tulsans, which could be exchanged for a voucher at the track valued between $2 and $5,000. The promotion created little return, which they felt was due to the vouchers being mailed too early. Cost of Promotion: $10,000 Schedule of Promotions July 9 Friday Ostrich Races July 17 Saturday Coke Bottle Bonanza Night in conjunction with Coca Cola and Channel 2 television 32 July 29July 31 Weekend Dachshund Derby Day with trial held and then the finals Every Thursday Ladies Night with Special Prizes and Contests Held Every Sunday Family Nights with horse rides, games, food and drink specials Direct Mail Voucher with 30,000 vouchers mailed out to Tulsans ranging from $2 to $5,000 33 Fonner Park Most Effective Promotion: "Racing With the Rumbles" The afternoon starts out with a great, classic car show courtesy of the Island Area Cruisers and Vintage Classic Wheels. Then after the races the Rumbles (a popular Midwestern band) play all the favorites from the 60s and 70s along with some of today's top hits. For the 11th year in a row (and it continues to grow every year) this event has taken place in conjunction with the local radio station, Power 99 Radio. It will be back next year! Cost of Promotion: $4,500 Least Effective Promotion: Pick Five and Win Contest Patrons get the chance to pick the winners in the last five races of the day for the chance to win $1,000. The Marketing Department felt that the promotion did not attract any new patrons to the track. They also believe that it just does not appeal to the casual race goer and they probably need to give away more money to make it a successful promotion. Cost of Promotion: $2,000 Schedule of Promotions Feb 12 Friday Opening Day admission specials. Feb 13 Saturday Chili Cook-Off where you can sample some of the best tasting chili around cooked up many of the Grand Islands finest celebrity chefs. Lend a helping hand to one of America's great organizations the Red Cross will be on site. Feb 14 Sunday Valentine's Day. Register to win a diamond heart 34 pendent valued at over $1,000 that will be given away compliments of Diamond 1st Jewelers. Feb 20 Saturday The Blackberry Winter band is back playing Fonner Park on this night of the Bold Accent Handicap for fillies and mares. If you come to the races then your admission is free for the concert. They're quickly becoming one of tri-city areas finest musical attractions playing your favorite "brasskickin" sounds from great groups as Blood Sweat & Tears, Chicago and The Grassroots and others. Feb 26-28 Fri-Sun Ag Days '99. Fonner Park salutes central Nebraska's heritage this week. Farm and ranch families receive free admission and there will be booths and displays all weekend long. Register to win great prizes all weekend long too! Mar 13-14 Sat-Sun Pick 5 and Win Contest. For the second straight year, Fonner Park is giving you what you want, CASH! There is a separate contest each day and you have the chance to win $1000 on either Saturday and Sunday and all the cash goes! Be there for Fonner Park's final five races each day and enter the opportunity to win. Mar 20-21 Sat-Sun React Crafts Show. The regions best arts and crafts show returns to the racecourse. You won't find a better display anywhere as the entire ground floor becomes a show place for hand crafted items for show and sale. Also watch the tracks top three year old's compete in the 29th running of the Baxter Stakes. Mar 27 Saturday The Rumbles are Coming! Sponsored by Power 99 Radio the Rumbles are back at Fonner Park for their 11th year to play your Favorite Rock & Roll sounds from the 60's and 70's along with all of today's top hits. The afternoon begins with 35 a great classic car show courtesy of the Island Area Cruisers and Vintage Classic Wheels. Then get ready for the 9th running of the Coca-Cola Sprint Handicap brought to you by Coca-Cola Bottling and Mid America Coca-Cola Enterprises. Apr 1-2 Thu-Fri KSYZ Putt For Gold Contest. All you have to do is make the qualifying putt (you receive three ) on Thursday or Friday and you come back on Saturday for your chance to win $1000 in Gold. Apr 3 Saturday Runza Family Day. It's a Fonner favorite and one for the entire family. Sponsored by Runza Restaurants, come early and enjoy a free mini-Runza, pop, an indoor kid's carnival and the ever-popular KSYZ Easter Egg Hunt that takes place in the infield at Fonner Park. Meet the Fonner Park jockeys and get their autographs and if you stop at any of the local Runza restaurants for admission specials. Apr 10-11 Sat-Sun Corral West Country Days. To celebrate the wild, wild west so put on that cowboy hat (it's good for free admission pardner) so raceon over Fonner Park for fun brought to you by Corral West of grand Island and Wrangler. Also, while supplies last, pick up free mens or ladies 5 Star Fragrance from Rocky Mountain and register to win comfortable cowboy boots from Ariat. There will be delicious barbecue followed by some great music and dancing after the featuring Karen Breiner and the Midnight Express on Saturday. Apr 17-18 Sat-Sun KSYZ Spring Recreation Show. Come to Fonner Park and find out what's new boats, campers, jet skis, vans, spas, motorcycles, 3-wheelers and many more. 36 Apr 24 Saturday $100,000 Bosselman/Gus Fonner Handicap. The Bosselman Corporation and Fonner Park proudly presents the 10th running of this classic contest. You can pick up your free pass to the Handicap at any area Pump and Pantry. You can also win Cash and prizes in the 9th annual KRGI Ladies Spring Hat Contest. May 1 Saturday The Kentucky Derby. It's the 125th running of the Kentucky Derby "live" from Churchill Downs in Louisville. Watch and wager on the greatest two minutes in sports and get an official Kentucky Derby Souvenir glass while supplies last. May 2 Sunday The Chevy Cavalier Sweepstakes. Someone Will drive home in a new 1999 Chevy Cavalier compliments of Hamilton Chevrolet, KLRB Radio and Fonner Park. This is your final chance to Register to win. The Tondi/Budweiser Handicap. Budweiser and H & H Distributing once again are set to showcase the top sprinters as they compete for six furlongs for $25,000. May 8 Saturday Nebraska Derby. Catch the excitement of Nebraska's own Derby Day with "live" Dixieland Music and the $25,000 Nebraska Derby, great food and a festive atmosphere unmatched. Featured for the first time at Fonner Park and hosted by the Combined Health Agencies Drive of Grand Island, this event provides a great opportunity to increase your awarness concernig numerous health issues. The Health Fair will feature over twenty-five agencies in attendance and provide blood pressure, body fat, cholesterol screening, diet, and recipe anaylisis. Many health related service organizations will be available throughout the afternoon to answer questions and provide testing. May 9 Sunday Mothers Day & Free Umbrella Giveaway. Bring 37 mom to the ponies and get something special. Free umbrella while supplies last. May 15 Saturday The Preakness. Watch and wager on the Preakness and the Islander Handicap. Free admission to veterans. May 16 Sunday Coors Starter Handicap. Longest race of the season. Fan Appreciation Day. Free admission. 38 Gulfstream Park Most Effective Promotion: Musical Concert Series The concert series brought a different, nationally known act into town every Saturday and Sunday afternoon during the meet. These concerts were on from 2:00 to 3:15 while live racing was being conducted at the track. The Marketing Department feels this “new fan” promotion introduced approximately 100,000 new fans to racing. A professionally produced and scripted music video show takes place before each concert, teaching these new players how to wager. Cost of this Promotion: $400,000 Least Effective Promotion: N/A 39 Hollywood Park Most Effect Promotion: Backpack Giveaway The most successful promotion for Hollywood Park was a backpack giveaway on Memorial Day. This particular giveaway created a 46.2% increase in on-track attendance. This promotion replaced the previous years sports cap giveaway and bested that promotion by 20.6% handle. Since Hollywood Park was down overall in both on-track attendance and handle for the entire 1999 Spring/Summer meet compared to 1998, these were significant gains. While backpacks do not seem exciting, they were a new giveaway in the Southern California market with shirts, caps, clocks and umbrellas being the usual fare. The promotion also featured high quality backpacks that looked attractive on TV commercials, graphics and print ads. Since this promotion did well in May at the end of the school year, the Marketing Director believes it will excel in August or September. Cost of Promotion: $63,000 Least Effective Promotion: Beer and Wine Festival They featured a sports cap giveaway and the Beer and Wine Festival on the same day. The Beer and Wine Festival was held in a fenced off area near the paddock. For a ticket price of $25 (with the proceeds going to charity), patrons could sample all of the wine, beer and finger foods that they wanted from 15-20 small vendors. The Marketing Director believes that it was the execution of the Beer and Wine Festival, not the event itself that was ineffective. The advertising focused on the big race that day as well as the cap giveaway, leaving little time to promote the Festival. The ticket price of $25 may have also contributed tot he low turnout. If it was properly promoted and built up as a special event, the Director believes it would be a nice promotion. 40 Cost of Promotion: <$2,000 (the event was inexpensive because many of the set up items were donated, since the proceeds went to charity. Schedule of Promotions April 21April 22 WednesdayThursday Special Simulcasting Racing from Golden Gate, Aqueduct and Others April 23 Friday Opening Night May 1 Saturday Kentucky Derby Day Handicapping Challenge May 15 Saturday Preakness Stakes Day May 31 Monday Memorial Day Back Pack Giveaway Charles Whittingham Handicap honoring One of racing's legendary trainers June 5 Saturday Belmont Stakes Day June 13 Sunday Guaranteed Pick Six June 25 Friday $1 Friday Night June 27 Sunday Hollywood Gold Cup Hollywood Gold Cup Cap Giveaway July2 Friday $1 Friday Night July 18 Sunday Fan Appreciation Day with four stakes races Featured July 19 Monday Closing Day Nov 10 Wednesday Opening Day Nov 12 Friday Opening Night featuring a Turf Club Party for members and guests with live music 41 Nov 19 Friday Night Racing Returns! Nov 25 Thursday Thanksgiving Food Drive Nov 26 Friday Mystery Mutuel Voucher Promotion which was mailed out to each person on the mailing list from $2 to $10,000 Nov 27 Saturday Hollywood Park/Daily Racing From Handicapping Contest $1 Million Guaranteed Pick 6 Nov 28 Sunday Autumn Turf Festival Dec 4 Saturday Umbrella Giveaway featuring Hollywood Park and NTRA's "Go Baby Go" Dec 11 Saturday Snow Day with 100 tons of snow dumped in the North Park with free candy, coloring books and an appearance by Santa Claus Inglewood Day with free general admission for Inglewood residence Dec 12 Sunday Thanksgiving Food Drive with Marine Corps Toys for Tots Dec 18 Saturday Fan Appreciation Day with free general admission Drawings for year 2000 Spring/Summer Clubhouse Season passes and $100 wagering Spree Dec 20 Monday Closing Day 42 Hoosier Park Most Effective Promotion: Dan Patch Invitational Pace Although Hoosier Park had record attendance for the Indiana Derby, their second most highly attended date was for the Dan Patch Invitational Pace. Attendance exceeded 8,000. Success is attributed to marketing and Public Relations efforts prior to the event, promotion of the giveaways, kid activities, and celebrity guest Kelly Packard. Cost of Promotion: 15% of marketing budget (this does not include advertising costs) Least Effective Promotion: Closing Weekend Closing weekend was significantly down in both attendance and handle. Decreases are a product of a cut back in advertising and a loss of fan awareness that they were still racing. They had giveaways and charity events but they had a low turnout due to the lack of advertising and awareness. This shows how important advertising is to a track. Cost of Promotion: >1% of marketing budget 43 Schedule of Promotions Harness Meet: April 9-10 Opening Weekend Harness: -T-shirt giveaway to the first 1,500 on the 9th -Register to win on the 10th;SeaDoo courtesy of Lakeview Marina -Pass giveaway to all patrons both nights (good for harness season) -Musical entertainment both nights -Kids entertainment (magician) -50/50 raffle both nights -Mike Kase on Saturday -National Anthem singers -Breakfast with Champions (Saturday morning) -"Meet the Hoosier Park Horsemen" April 16-18 Hoosier Horse Fair (external) -Booth (shared with ITOB and ISA) -Pass out brochures, admission passes -Show videos and display pictures -Announcements and banners (through sponsorship) April 17 50/50 Raffle Feb 20-May1 Road to the Kentucky Derby (handicapping contest) -Five week contest prior to and including the Kentucky Derby -Implement at HP and OTB's (grand prize winner and runner up at each site) -Contestants pick a horse in a specified race (points for win, place, and show). May 1 Kentucky Derby (simulcast) -Register to win Kentucky Derby merchandise -50/50 raffle (cash prize at 5pm, grand prize of 1/2 the pot at 9pm) May 8 Breakfast with Champions -"Investigate the Insides of Hoosier Park" -50/50 Raffle May 9 Mother's Day -Carnations to the first 200 moms -25% coupon to all ladies from Glitz Boutique -Register to win $50 gift certificates to Glitz Boutique 44 May 15 Preakness (simulcast) -Kentucky Derby poster giveaway -Register to win Preakness merchandise -50/50 raffle May 17 Shania Twain Concert May 21 Little 500 Night -Anderson Speedway cars on display -Giveaways (courtesy of Anderson Speedway and HP) -50/50 raffle to benefit Alternatives Inc. & Bridges for Madison County -Scott Harrington: show car and autograph session -Pep boys -Little 500 Queens -Miniature car giveaway -WHBU Remote -National Anthem singers May 21 WNDE Remote in Indy May 22 Wilkerson and Associates May 29 50/50 Raffle June 2 Fan Appreciation Night -HoP, FW, MV -$1 soda, popcorn. hot dogs -free admission June 4 Friday $1.50 Well Drinks -Through Harness Meet -Friday 2 for 1 entrees June 5 Belmont (simulcast) Family Night -Register to win Belmont merchandise -50/50 Raffle -Unveil playground and mascot -Giveaway goodie bags to all kids -Register to win kid's prizes -Kids games -Kids activities -Musical entertainment -Trottingbred Pony races -National Anthem singers 45 June 6 $5 Sunday Buffet $0.25 Wings and Poppers June 11 Vince Gill Concert June 12 Breakfast with Champions -"Investigate the backside of Hoosier Park" June 18 2 for 1 Prime Rib Buffet June 19 50/50 Raffle June 20 Father's Day -Register to win giveaways -Guitarist -WHBU Remote -Wilkerson & Associates -Indy, FW, HoP June 24 Doo Dah Derby -Celebrity races -Guitarist -Restaurant reserved for Wellness Community -Mike Kase June 27 Hollywood Gold Cup -$0.25 wings and poppers -Hat Giveaway (MV) July 3 John Mellencamp Concert Trottingbred Pony Races BBQ Tent Opens 50/50 Raffle July 4 Fourth of July Celebration -Pass out Dan Patch passes -Kids giveaway -Face painting -National Anthem singers -Fireworks after races -Build Your Own Nacho Bar July 5 Van at Ft. Wayne Wizards July 6 Van at Indians 46 July 7 Dan Patch Post Draw -12 noon -Lunch for press and horsemen -Mike Kase -Fan Appreciation Night -$1 soda, popcorn, hot dogs -Free Admission July 10 Dan Patch Invitational Pace -Breakfast with Champions "A Visit With the Dan Patch Horses" -Tented areas with kids activities, entertainment stage and booths -Hat giveaway/voucher/poster to first 4,000 -Celebrity appearance-Kelly Packard -Dan Patch display -Front entrance musical entertainment -Additional food and beverage -50/50 Raffle July 13 Jimmy Buffet Concert July 18 Breeder's Filly -Ladies Night (free admission and giveaways to ladies) July 23 2 for 1 Prime Rib Buffet July 31 Hootie & the Blowfish Concert Aug 9-14 Little League Harness Camp Aug 14 Breakfast with Champions "It's Gotta Be The Shoes" 50/50 Raffle Aug 14-15 KY Standardbred Sales Company Races -Passes to Hoosier Cup night given out Aug 11-22 Indiana State Fair (external event) -Booth with ISA -Hoosier Park Day on 21st -T-shirts, flyers, announcement, and banners on 21st -Giveaways and announcements during harness racing at the ISF Grandstand -Pass out brochures and passes to Hoosier Cup and TB meet Aug 21 Hoosier Cup 47 -Cup giveaway to first 2,000 -Fan appreciation night ($1 food specials) -Face painters -Musical entertainment -Driver autograph session -Passes for Thoroughbred season given out -50/50 raffle -National anthem singers Sept 3 Willie Nelson/Dwight Yoakum Concert Thoroughbred Meet Sept 10-11 Opening Weekend Thoroughbred -Handicapping contest (Saturday) -Handicapping seminars (Saturday) -Inside track book giveaway (Saturday) -Register to win giveaways -Newsletter (prior) -Jockey trading card giveaways to kids on playground (Friday) -Jockey autograph session (Friday) -Hoosier park trivia -Churchill Downs mini-Nascar giveaway (Saturday) -Jockey T-shirt toss -Mike Kase (Friday) -National anthem singers -Face Painters (Saturday) -50/50 Raffle -Breakfast with Champions (Saturday morning) Sept 18… Countdown to the Cup -Seven week contest prior to Breeder's Cup -Implement at HP and OTB's (grand prize winner and runners-up at each site) -Contestants pick a horse in a specified race (points for win, place, and show) -Indy Sept 12-13 Quarter Horse Races -Fast Cash Sunday -$500 cash cube promotion Sept 14 Moody Blues Concert Sept 21 Two for Tuesday Promotion -$2 cash voucher to first 200 48 Sept 22-23 Sept 25 Jockey Jams 50/50 Raffle Sept 26 Quarter Horse Races -Fast cash Sunday -:60 second betting spree Sept 29 Indiana Derby Post Draw -12 noon -Lunch for press and horsemen -Mike Kase Oct 1 Breeder's Cup Oaks/Derby Eve -Jockey autograph session -Passes to Indiana Derby given out -Derby Eve gala in tent -Mike Kase -National Anthem singers Oct 2 Indiana Derby -Mystery voucher mailing -Big Giveaway -Strolling kids activities -Celebrity appearances -Musical Entertainment -Additional food and beverage -Jockey/trainer appearances -Jockey/trainer/owner question and answer panel -Mike Kase -50/50 Raffle Oct 8 Lee National Denim Day Oct 10 Quarter Horse Races -Fast Cash Sunday -$500 cash cube promotion Oct 19 Two for Tuesday Promotion -200 $2 vouchers Oct 24 Quarter Horse Races -Fast Cash Sunday -Show for Dough Oct 28 Trick or Treat at the Track 49 -Decorations -Candy giveaways -Games/prizes -Entertainment -Door prizes -Mike Case Oct 30 Halloween -50/50 Raffle Nov 6 Breeder's Cup (simulcast) -Register to win Breeder's Cup merchandise -Banners/posters -50/50 raffle Nov 7 Quarter Horse Races -Fast Cash Sunday -$500 cash cube promotion Nov 12 College Night Nov 13 Breakfast with Champions Nov 21 Quarter Horse Races -Fast Cash Sunday -:60 second betting spree Nov 25 Thanksgiving -11am post -Buffet Nov 27 50/50 Raffle Nov 28 Quarter Horse Races -Fast Cash Sunday -$500 cash cube promotion Dec 3-5 Closing Weekend -Food specials -Santa Claus, carolers -Ornament giveaway to everyone -Free admission with non-perishable food item -Register to win giveaways -50/50 raffles -Mike Kase on Sunday 50 Louisiana Downs Most Effective Promotion: "Fridays in the Sky" Marketed as an after work party, this promotion was held each Friday from 3-7 P.M. in the Penthouse level Sky Room. For $5 admission, fans enjoy hot/cold hors d'ouvers, drink specials, a DJ, and contest drawings. In addition to the non-racing festivities, the track handicapper handicapped the days races and free mutuel tickets were provided. This promotion seems to have caught on with people of all ages. The event is sponsored by two radio stations who also provide live remotes. The Marketing Department feels word of mouth has elevated this promotion due to the churn of satisfied patrons. Cost of Promotion: $6,500 (newspaper ads) $20,000 (radio ads) $35,000 (food and giveaways) Lease Effective Promotion: "Family Day Saturdays" Each Saturday families can purchase a discounted admission package. Included in the package are 2-for-1 food coupons, programs, tip sheets, a clubhouse box that seats six, and an entry to win a trophy presentation that day. The Marketing Department felt the response was limited due to the comprehensiveness of the offer. They feel that future family promotions need to be kept simple. Costs of Promotion: $8,700 (newspaper ads) 51 Schedule of Promotions June 25 Friday Coupon booklet giveaway July 5 Monday Beach towel giveaway/activities for kids July 17 Saturday East Texas Day t-shirt giveaway Aug. 14 Saturday Pick the winning horses contest (handicapping contest) Sept. 6 Monday Tote bag giveaway/activities for kids Sept. 18Sept. 19 Saturday Sunday Louisiana Breeders’Festival of RacingStakes races for state breds, Cajun food and music Sept. 25 Saturday Wiener Dog Races/kids activites Sept. 26 Sunday Super Derby t-shirt giveaway Oct. 2 Saturday Super Derby day, cap giveaway, activities for kids Oct. 3 Sunday Mystery mutuel ticket redemption (mutuel tickets were sent to people on our mailing list) Oct. 23 Saturday Chihuahua races/activities for kids Nov. 6 Sunday Breeder’s Cup Day/insulated mug giveaway Nov. 14 Sunday Closing Day Thursdays Dollar Days $1 admission, tip sheet, program, seat Fridays Senior Citizens Day Seniors 62+ and military with I.D. pay $.25 admission. Also Friday in the Sky after work promotion on Fridays through September 3. Saturday Family Day Special discount package for families. Sunday Ladies Day Ladies enter through special gate for $1 admission and coupon booklet. 52 Monmouth Park Most Effective Promotion: Father's Day "Take Me out to the Game Ticket Giveaway" For this promotion, all parents accompanied by a child were admitted into the Grandstand free. Entry blanks were filled out upon entering the track and dropped into a box by the fourth race. After the seventh race, sixty names were drawn for sixty pairs of tickets to sporting events such as the Jets, Giants, Yankees, Mets, Devils, Nets, Phillies and Trenton Thunder. The Marketing Department felt this promotion worked well because it drew families out to win something worthwhile. The event is five years old, but in 1999 attendance increased tremendously. This could be due to the increasing costs of sporting event tickets. Cost of Promotion: N/A Least Effective Promotion: Baseball and Sports Memorabilia Show Monmouth Park had Gloria Rothstein Company present over 100 dealers displaying baseball cards, souvenirs, and sports collectable items. The Marketing Department felt there were several reasons for the low turnout. First, they picked a weekend that was one of their lowest in attendance. This was not the right weekend to debut a new event. Second, there was poor execution of the event by the organizers responsible. The track advertised the show in all types of media and publications, but the organizers did not supply the proper number of card dealers advertised. The Marketing Department also felt that the organizers underestimated the venue and the profit possibility. Cost of Promotion: N/A 53 Schedule of Promotions May 29 Saturday Opening Day: Free grandstand admission; half price clubhouse admission; McDonald’s Family Fun Day activities; The Mike Dalton Band. May 30 Sunday McDonald’s Family Fun Days: Every Sunday, 12-4. Free pony rides, clowns, face painters, music, petting zoo and more. Courtesy of McDonald’s. Cats on a Smooth Surface band. May 31 Monday Free Miller Lite Month of June Grandstand Pass, the Great Minolta Binoculars Drawing: A $50 value. Drawings every five minutes from 1:05 to 5:00 PM. Tim McLoone and the Atlantic Coast Band. June 6 Sunday Golfer’s Appreciation Day: Bring a tee, grandstand admission is free. Win a pair of VIP tickets to the Buick Classic at Westchester Country Club. Golf equipment demonstrations from Mizuno, Taylor Made, Odyssey, Callaway, MacGregor, Cobra, Wilson, Maxfli, Adams, Yonex, Florsheim, Square 2 and professional instruction from the teaching pros at Legends Golf Center. June 12 Saturday 2nd Great Minolta Binoculars Drawing. June 20 Sunday Father’s Day-‘Take Dad to the Game’Ticket. Win tickets to see the Yankees, Mets, Devils, Jets, Giants, and more… All dads and moms accompanied by a child admitted free to the grandstand. Free pony rides, clowns, face painters, music, petting zoo and more. June 26June 27 Saturday Baseball Card and Sports Memorabilia Show. Saturday and Sunday, the Gloria Rothstein Co. presents over 100 dealers displaying baseball cards, souvenirs, and sports collectible items plus autograph session on Sunday from 12-3:00 PM. June 27 Sunday Ladies’Day at the Races. Luncheon and harve’ benard Fashion Show in the Turf Club with door 54 prizes. Call 732-571-5547 for ticket info. And it’s Ladies’Hat Day. All women wearing a hat admitted free. Tim McLoone and the Atlantic Coast Band. July 3 Saturday Miller Lite/Monmouth Park Beach Party. Chill out with the Monmouth Park Cooler Bag Giveaway! Free ‘Miller Lite Month of July’Grandstand Pass, volleyball serve contest, games and The Mike Dalton Band. July 4 Sunday Iselin Day. Watch the top older horses compete in the Phillip H. Iselin Handicap televised on the NTRA Champions on Fox Series. Music by the Holiday Express Americana Review. July 5 Monday 3rd Great Minolta Binoculars Drawing. Cats on a Smooth Surface Band. July 11 Sunday Summer X-Games Demonstration. Presented by WJLK ‘The Point.’ Professional Inline Skaters and Freestyle Bicyclists demonstrate their high-flying, energetic skills on a 40-foot inverted skating ramp! Shows from 12-3:30 PM. Drawings for inline skates. July 18 Sunday 10th Annual St. Patrick’s Day in July. Win a trip for two to Ireland, courtesy of Murphy’s Irish Stout. “Wearin’O’The Green” for free grandstand admission; the Friendly sons of the Shillelagh Pipe & Drum Band, the Greg Ryan Trio performing ‘On the Green’and the Jersey Shore’s own Joe Finn. July 25 Sunday Classic Car Show. Over 100 cars from days gone by. Meet Big Joe Henry at the live remote broadcast of his NJ 101.5’s Oldies Show. July 26 Monday The Haskell/Holiday Inn Golf Outing. Shore Oaks Country Club, Farmington, NJ. July 30 Friday July 31 Saturday 13th Annual Haskell Road Race. Four mile race, one mile race & kiddie sprints; Grand Prize drawing-roundtrip Continental Airlines tickets for two. ‘Around The World’ Wine Tasting & Luncheon. Plus the Grade I United Nations Handicap. Held in 55 the Turf Club-Door prizes, gift bag: $50 per ticket. Aug. 1 Sunday Free ‘Miller Lite Month of August’Grandstand Pass. Aug. 7 Saturday 5th Annual Murphy’s Irish Stout Cigar Luncheon. Clubhouse Pavilion-Door prizes and gift bag; $100 per ticket. Aug. 8 Sunday The $1,000,000 Haskell Invitational. The centerpiece of the summer schedule, top 3-year-olds compete for the richest invitational prize in the nation; Haskell cap giveaway and the Mike Dalton Band. Gates open 10:30 AM; First Race 12:30 PM. Aug. 15 Sunday Meet the Metrostars. Soccer skills demonstration by team members, autographs, drawings for game tickets and more. Sept. 5 Sunday Fan Appreciation Day-Closing Day. Free Grandstand admission, half price clubhouse admission. McDonald’s Family Fun Day Activities. 56 Remington Park Most Effective Promotion: Derby Clock Giveaway The most successful promotion for this track was a Derby Clock Giveaway on Remington Park Derby Day. This promotion was a huge success due to the fact that there was a huge stakes race that contained quality horses. The mixture between good, quality horses and the Derby Clock boosted the track attendance beyond their expectations. Cost of Promotion: $23,000 Least Effective Promotion: Jockey Play and Win Card For this promotion during the Quarter Horse meet, the patrons were given a card featuring jockeys. The patrons had to keep track of the jockeys, their mounts, and their winnings on these cards from week to week. The contest then graduated to levels with weekly prizes. It was a good concept but required too much information for the patrons to comprehend. Cost of Promotion: There is no exact numbers due to printing the cards in-house. 57 Schedule of Promotions June 10 Wednesday Gym Bags Giveaway Aug. 5 Thursday T-Shirt Giveaway Aug. 27 Friday Ball Cap Giveaway Nov. 26 Friday Christmas Ornament Giveaway 58 River Downs Most Effective Promotion: Motorcycle Giveaway There was a huge turn-out of new fans for the Harley Davidson motorcycle giveaway. The Director of Marketing felt this promotion was unique due to the turn-out of new faces. Another big day for them was America's Day at the Races, which resulted in a turn-out of younger fans. The Marketing Department felt that this event not only brings in a younger crowd, but educates them on the sport, as well as entertains them. The Classic Car Show was deemed successful and cost nothing! Cost of Promotion: $15,000 (for Harley Davidson) $6,000 (America's Day at the Races) Least Effective Promotion: Celebrity Hole-In-One Contest The promotion featured celebrities putting for $1 million (we assume for charity). The Marketing Department felt the celebrities were not big enough to draw people to the track specifically for the event. They did feel this would be a great promotion if the fans were able to putt themselves. Cost of Promotion: $6000-$8000 59 Sam Houston Race Park Most Effective Promotions: Fireworks Show, Good Neighbor, and Concerts For the Fourth of July there was a fireworks show which brought in over 22,000 people. The Good Neighbor idea was a direct mail promotion focusing on the area directly surrounding Sam Houston. It was intended to bring new patrons to the track. The concerts bring in a much younger demographic. Concerts are also useful in marketing the venue as an entertainment place. Costs of Promotions: $40,000 (fireworks) $20,000 (Good Neighbor) $10,000 - 30,000 (Concerts) Least Effective Promotion: Sam Houston did quite a bit of experimenting and cannot identify one event as “unsuccessful.” They have tried different types of events and have a good understanding of what does and does not work in their particular market. One main strategy is to test a promotion before it is introduced. Cost of Promotion: N/A 60 Schedule of Promotions Jan 1 Friday KILT Night Jan 2 Saturday Calendar Giveaway Jan 8 Friday KILT Night Jan 9 Saturday Sunrise at Sam Houston Jan 15 Friday KILT Night Jan 16 Saturday Lucky Sevens Handicapping Contest Tomball Good Neighbor Night Jan 22 Friday KILT Night-HLS&R Ticket Giveaway Jan 23 Saturday Lucky Sevens Handicapping Contest Dollar Night Jan 29 Friday KILT Night-HLS&R Ticket Giveaway Jan 30 Saturday Lucky Sevens Handicapping Contest Feb 5 Friday KILT Night-HLS&R Ticket Giveaway Feb 6 Saturday Lucky Sevens Handicapping Contest Pepsi Long Sleeve T-shirt Giveaway Night Feb 12 Friday KILT Night-HLS&R Ticket Giveaway Feb 13 Saturday Sunrise at Sam Houston Lucky Sevens Handicapping Contest Jersey Village Good Neighbor Night Feb 19 Friday KILT Night-HLS&R Ticket Giveaway Feb 20 Saturday Lucky Sevens Handicapping Contest Feb 26 Friday KILT Night-HLS&R Ticket Giveaway Feb 27 Saturday Lucky Sevens Handicapping Contest Mar 5 Friday KILT Night 61 Mar 6 Saturday Connally Breeders Cup Turf Races/IKON Picnic Mar 12 Friday KILT Night Mar 13 Saturday Sunrise at Sam Houston Mar 19 Friday KILT Night Mar 20 Saturday HLS&R Rodeo Round-up Night (Bounce-back from HLS&R) Mar 26 Friday KILT Night VIP Club Reception Dollar Night Mar 27 Saturday Gallery Furniture.com Stakes-Turfway Park Secretariat Poster Giveaway-Owner's Seminar Apr 2 Friday KILT Night Apr 9 Friday KILT Night Apr 10 Saturday Sunrise at Sam Houston Jimmy G's Crawfish Celebration Fan Appreciation Weekend Apr 11 Sunday Fan Appreciation Weekend Oct 28 Friday KILT Concert-Joe Diffie Oct 29 Saturday Breakfast with Bob Jiffy Lube Opening Night Celebration Arnold Palmer Commemorative Golf Tractor (first 3,000) Good Neighbor Celebration-Golfers List Nov 5 Friday KILT Concert-The Wilkinsons Breeder's Cup Handicapping Preview Nov 6 Saturday Breeder's Cup from Gulfstream Park Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce TriFesta (Heart Walk, Health Fair & Taste Fest)-Paddock Daily Racing Form National Handicapping Championship-NTRA Handicapper of the Year 62 Nov 12 Friday KILT Concert-Pat Green Nov 13 Saturday Sunrise at Sam Houston Good Neighbor Night Nov 14 Sunday Hurray for Hollywood Dog Show Nov 19 Friday KILT Concert-Ricochet Nov 20 Saturday Good Neighbor Night Nov 26 Friday KILT Concert-TBD Employee Friends and Family Night Dec 3 Friday KILT Concert-Dan Seals Dec 4 Saturday Good Neighbor Night Dec 10 Friday Texas Champions Weekend Galleryfurniture.com Texas Champions Day KILT Night at the Races (NO CONCERT) Dec 11 Saturday Texas Champions Weekend Sunrise at Sam Houston Louisiana Champions Day-Cross Promote at SHRP KILT Concert-TBD Dec 17 Friday KILT Concert-Earl Thomas Conley Dec 18 Saturday Fred Stone Calendar Giveaway-first 4,000 fans 63 Santa Anita Most Effective Promotion: Opening Day/Calendar Giveaway Santa Anita drew over 44,000 fans on this day. They inherited a great tradition with this event, which also draws a large amount of awareness to their winter meet. The Marketing Department feels that in their competitive market, getting early momentum is vital. Unfortunately, with the amount of bad weather they have experienced during the meet, they have not been able to sustain their early success. Cost of Promotion: 10% of total marketing budget. Most Successful Promotion 2000: On April 8th Santa Anita hosted the annual Santa Anita Derby which is one of the biggest prep races for this year's Kentucky Derby. It also turned out to be one of the biggest days in the history of Santa Anita. The total handle for the day ($25,782,789.40) established an all-time total handle record. Also up was attendance (41,222). Included in the promotional highlights for the day was a collector's T-shirt giveaway and a $1 million Guaranteed Pick Six Pool. Least Effective Promotion: N/A 64 Wyoming Downs Most Effective Promotion: Sponsorship of Rodeo Events Wyoming Downs sponsored several different rodeos in the Salt Lake City area. Included in the sponsorship was an information booth where employees could pass out track information. Attendees of the rodeos could use their ticket stubs for free admission to the Downs. Cost of Promotion: $2000 (rodeo sponsorships) Least Effective Promotions: $1000 Cash / Horse Giveaway for Closing Day Wyoming Downs offered a $1000 cash giveaway as well as a horse to boost their Closing Day attendance. The patrons had to fill out a questionnaire and be present to win on Closing Day. The questionnaire could be filled out on several promotional days which were previously advertised. Neither the money nor the horse were given away because the names drawn were not present. The Marketing Department felt that the chance to win did not effect Closing Day attendance. Cost of Promotion: Would have cost $2000 plus the cost of printing surveys. 65 Schedule of Promotions Schedule of Promotions June 12 Saturday Sweepstakes Kick-off Direct Mail Premium Offer Consumer Survey: (Bounce-back coupon incentive). June 13 Sunday Sweepstakes Registration Consumer Survey (Bounce-back coupon incentive). June 19 Saturday Father's Day Pre-promo. June 20 Sunday Father's Day Free Admission. June 26 Saturday Promotional Premium Giveaway. June 27 Sunday Sweepstakes Registration Consumer Survey: (Bounce-back coupon incentive). July 3 Saturday Promotional Premium Giveaway. July 4 Sunday Salute to Armed Forces-free admission to all military personnel with I.D. July 10 Saturday Promotional Premium Giveaway, "Picnic in the Park at the Downs", Sweepstake Registration Consumer Survey (Bounce-back coupon incentives). July 17 Saturday Free admission with rodeo ticket stub. July 18 Sunday Sweepstake Registration Consumer Survey (Bounce-back coupon incentives). July 24 Saturday Promotional Premium Giveaway. July 31 Saturday Fan Appreciation Kick-off, Free admission for Evanston Locals. 66 Aug 1 Sunday Promotional Premium Giveaway Sweepstakes Registration (bounce back coupon incentive). Aug 7 Saturday 2 for 1 admission with coupon. Aug 8 Sunday 2 for 1 admission with coupon. Aug 14 Saturday Promotional Premium Giveaway, Law Enforcement Day-free admission to law enforcement with I.D. Aug 15 Sunday Bounce-back Coupon Offer. Aug 21 Saturday 2 for 1 admission with coupon. Aug 22 Sunday 2 for 1 admission with coupon. Aug 28 Saturday Bounce-back coupon offer. Aug 29 Sunday Promotional Premium Giveaway. Sept 4 Saturday Promotional Premium Giveaway Sweepstakes Registration. Discount offer on 2000 Season Pass Consumer Survey: (Bounce-back coupon incentive). 67 Appendix The following appendix contains the promotional schedules of tracks that chose to remain anonymous. 68 Track A Schedule of Promotions Jan 20 Thursday Opening Day Jan 20Jan 23 Weekend Handicapper's Challenge Jan 29 Saturday Russell Baze Poster Giveaway Jan 30 Sunday Super Bowl Sunday with special food and drink specials Feb 12 Saturday Briefcase Giveaway Feb 13 Sunday Chinese New Year Celebration Feb 20 Sunday Handicapper's Challenge Round 2 Feb 26 Saturday Radio Headphones Giveaway March 11 Saturday Major Stakes Race T-shirt Giveaway March 12 Sunday Comedy Day March 19 Sunday Handicapper's Challenge Final Round March 29 Saturday Pokemon Family Day March 26 Sunday Closing Day Grab Bag Giveaway Every Thursday Senior Thursday's Every Friday Live Bands with free admission 69 Track B Schedule of Promotions May 15 Saturday "Track" Cap Giveaway Preakness Simulcasting May 28May 31 Weekend "Track" Festival Mini Fair in the backyard May 29 Saturday World of Horses May 30 Sunday Floral Park 5k run Mascot Derby May 31 Monday T-shirt Giveaway Country Day (live music and remote) June 1June 5 Week Budweiser Clydesdales June 1 Tuesday Golf Tournament at Piping Rock CC Jockeys Vs. Broadway Stars in Central Park June 2 Wednesday Major Stakes Post Position Draw June 3 Thursday Jockeys visit Ronald McDonald House June 4 Friday Breakfast at "Track" (field trip for over 400 area elementary school kids) Woody Stephens Poster Giveaway Special Olympics Luncheon and Demonstration "Track" Participant Party June 5 Saturday Major Stakes Race Day Radio Station Remote June 11July 23 Fridays Sunset Racing June 20 Sunday Father's Day Mystery Voucher July 5 Monday Travel Mug Giveaway 70 July 25 Sunday Closing Day Fan Appreciation Sept 10 Friday Opening Day Travel Mug Giveaway Sept 11 Saturday Mystery Mutual Voucher Sept 18 Saturday T-shirt Giveaway Oct 2Oct 3 SaturdaySunday Oktoberfest Oct 10 Sunday Stein Giveaway Oct 23 Saturday Sports Bag Giveaway Every Sunday Family Fun Days in the Backyard Holidays Breakfast at "Track" Ambient Performers and International Artists in the backyard 71 Track C Schedule of Promotions April 24April 29 Weekend/ Week Dawn at the Downs with a breakfast buffet at trackside while morning workouts are going on April 25 Sunday Glass Giveaway April 29 Thursday Jockey Autograph Session with local and national jockeys Triple Crown Steeplechase Race Festival in the Field with a special concert, interactive game show and activities May 1 Saturday Major Stakes Race Collectors pins given away, historical tours, "track" photo spots and special ceremonies May 9 Sunday T-shirt giveaway with the t-shirts good for free admission the rest of the meet May 15 Saturday Free poster giveaway Raffle for Porsche as a fund raiser May 20 Thursday Partner with Elderserve to host Seniors health fair on-track May 21May 22 Weekend Classic Car Show in the infield with some select cars in clubhouse to attract attention to the Event Wagering seminar May 23 Sunday Junior Jockey Club Giveaway for all children under 12 May 29 jockeys Saturday Backstretch breakfast and tour with trainers and will be on hand to interact with the public 72 May 29May 31 Weekend Organ "Donorama" where track fans are encouraged to become an organ donors May 31 Monday Fiji Camera Giveaway June 5 Saturday Belmont Stakes with direct mail promotion offering A coupon for Triple Crown Merchandise June 5June 6 Weekend Arts and Crafts Exhibitors, foods, regional music and equine Exhibits June 12 Saturday Alumni Day June 19 Saturday Backstretch Breakfast and Tour June 20 Sunday "Clubs For Kids" Day with free gulf clubs for the first 1,000 kids June 27 Sunday Customer Appreciation Day Every Wednesday Handicapping Contests Every Sunday Sunday Brunch for Families Month of April Handicapping 101 Lectures to teach handicapping 73 Track D Schedule of Promotions Harness Meet: Surf and Turf Promotion-Free T-Shirts to the first 2000. Paid admission, Skydiving Exhibition, Free Hot Dogs to all kids twelve and under. Win a trip to the Bahamas for 2 including airfare and a chance to win a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado from Chevy dealer. All patrons receive a free entry form to win a trip to the Bahamas, one winner drawn. Also 10 names drawn for a chance to win the truck, those finalists returning on closing day (Aug. 4) get a chance to select one of 48 keys to the truck, only one of which starts it. Special July 4th, Miller Lite 3-D Fireworks Show-Gates open at 12:00pm, post time 6:00. Fireworks immediately following the races at 9:30pm, the first 1,000 patrons receive 3-D fireworks glasses and a free General Admission Pass for July 5th. Every Monday-Win a trip for two to the Princess Resort and Casino at the Grand Bahama Island including airfare and a chance to win a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup from local Chevy dealer. One finalist drawn to win the truck, that person goes to the Bahamas. Every Tuesday-All Press Pass Holders receive a $5 dollar value pack, Admission, Hot Dog, Soft Drink, Program, and Tip Sheet. All patrons receive an entry form to win the truck, one finalist drawn. Every Wednesday-Over 55 and fabulous, 1/2 price general admission with ID. All patrons receive entry form to win the truck, one finalist drawn. Closing Day-All finalists for the truck giveaway invited back to the races, 10 more names will be drawn, winner is finalist whose key starts the truck. Thoroughbred Meet: Opening Day-Free Track T-shirts to the first 5,000 paid admissions, Pony Rides, Face Painting, and a Moonwalk for the Kids. See the York River Concert Band perform on the apron between races and a Skydiving Exhibition prior to the first race. Fridays, Cheap Date Friday-All patrons may purchase a $8 value pack for $5 which 74 included Admission, Program, Tip Sheet, Hot Dog and Pepsi. All patrons may enter to win $1,000 cash to be given away every Saturday 9/11-9/25 as part of a season long Winners Circle Promotion (Must be present on Saturday to win). Saturdays, Winners Circle Day-All patrons with paid admission enter to win $1,000 cash through September. Two names will be drawn after the sixth race from entries received that week. The first person drawn will be given the choice of taking $1,000 or advancing to the Derby Day $20,000 drawing, the second person will have the alternate choice (must be present to win). Saturday Sept. 18-Andy Guest Open Paddock Dedication. Saturday Sept. 25-Be the first to see the return of Grammy Award winning Country Music Sensations "Shenadoah" live on The Green immediately following the races. Saturday Oct. 2, "State" Derby Day-See the Mid Atlantic's top Thoroughbreds compete for $200,000 in the second running of the "State" Derby. Also make it to the Winner's Circle yourself, three winners from 9/11, 9/18, and 9/25 along with 20 additional patrons selected from Derby Day entries will draw keys to open a briefcase stuffed with $20,000 Cash. A second drawing will then be held from the 23 finalists and a $5,000 Donation will be made to the Charity of their choice. Saturday Oct. 9, Mystery Voucher Saturday-All patrons on our mailing list receive a "Guaranteed Winning Ticket"; Grand Prize Winning Ticket is worth $10,000 in Free Wagering (deadline to get on mailing list is Opening Day). Sundays, Pepsi Family Day-Free hot Dog and Pepsi to all kids twelve and under, Pony Rides, Face Painting, Moonwalk and more. Enjoy the York River Concert Band performing on the apron between the races. Kids twelve and under always receive Free Admission. Also, all patrons may enter to win $1,000 cash to be given away every Saturday 9/11-9/25 as part of a season long Winners Circle Promotion (must be present on Saturday to win). Mondays, High Roller Monday-One lucky patron (and their guest) becomes a High Roller at the track. Win Free Admission to the Jockey Club, complimentary buffet, and a free $100 betting voucher (Winner drawn after race 2). Also all patrons may enter to win $1,000 cash to be given away every Saturday 9/11-9/25 as part of a season long Winners Circle Promotion (must be present Saturday to win). Tuesday, Senior Day-All patrons 55 and older receive half priced general admission and 75 the first 200 will receive a free Totebag. Also patrons may enter to win $1,000 cash to be given away every Saturday 9/11-9/25 as part of a meet long Winners Circle Promotion (must be present Saturday to win). 76 Track E Schedule of Promotions 1999 Spring Promotions: Opening Weekend T-shirt Giveaway Major Stakes Races Memorial Day Cooler Jug Giveaway 1999 Fall/Winter Promotions: Opening Weekend Sports Bag Giveaway Day After Thanksgiving Bucket Hat New Year's Day 2000 Fred Stone Calendar Giveaway 77 Track F Schedule of Promotions 1999 Promotions: Win Ben Stein's Tickets to the Big Game Super Bowl Jazz Concert ~ Chuck Mangione Winter Festival St. Patrick's Day Party Sunday Family Fun Days (4) Kentucky Derby Simulcast / Happy Hour McDonald's Memorial Day Country Festival Open House (2) June Friday Night Happy Hour $500,000 Feature Race Hall of Fame Night Budweiser Concert Series (Rock & Roll, Oldies, R&B, Latin & Light Rock) $1,000,000 Feature Races Night (T-Shirt Giveaway) $1,000,000 Feature Breeders Day ($25,000 Tote Ticket Giveaway and Concert) $1,000,000 Feature Race (Baseball Hat Giveaway) America's Day at the Races ~ Labor Day $500,000 Feature Handicap Fiesta Italiana Oktoberfest 78 $500,000 Feature Cup (Latte Mug Giveaway) Halloween Bash Breeders' Cup Simulcast 79 Track G Schedule of Promotions April 17 Saturday Meet us at the Starting Gate-Live Racing Kickoff April 21 Wednesday Secretaries Day May 1 Saturday Kentucky Derby May 9 Sunday Mother’s Day May 15 Saturday Preakness Stakes May 21 Friday 50’s Friday May 25 Tuesday Riding Cup/Jockey Challenge May 31 Monday Memorial Day June 5 Saturday Belmont Stakes June 20 Sunday Father’s Day June 25 Friday 50’s Friday July2July5 Friday 4th of July Weekend July 29 Thursday Fan Appreciation Day Aug. 21 Saturday Major Stakes Race Sept. 6 Monday America’s Day at the Races Oct. 2 Saturday Major Stakes Race, Rodeo Nov. 6 Saturday Breeder’s Cup Aug. Every Thursday Thursday Thunder Sept. Every Thursday Thursday Thunder 80 Track H Schedule of Promotions July 25 Sunday Open House July 28 Wednesday Opening Day July 31Hat Aug. 1 Stars Saturday- Hats Off Weekend, Special Olympics 5K Run and Sunday Contest, Baseball Cap Giveaway & Satin Silk and Luncheon Aug. 8 Sunday T-Shirt Giveaway, NFL Legends Day Aug. 9 Monday Hall of Fame Day Aug. 14 Saturday Chili Cook-Off Aug. 15 Sunday Stein Giveaway Aug. 22 Sunday Sport Bag Giveaway Aug. 22Aug. 29 Sunday Travers Festival Aug. 26 Thursday Jockey Foot-Race Aug. 28 Saturday Travers Day Sept. 4Sept. 6 Saturday Monday Final Stretch Weekend Sept. 5 Family Sunday Classic Collection T-Shirt giveaway, Okterberfest, Fun Fest Sept. 6 Monday America's Day at the Races, Oktoberfest, Family Fun Fest 81 Track I Schedule of Promotions March 19 Friday Opening Day May 1 Saturday Kentucky Derby May 15 Saturday Preakness Stakes June 5 Saturday Belmont Stakes June 12 Saturday Country Jam Berea Fairgrounds June 13 Sunday Country Jam Berea Fairgrounds July 3 Saturday Beach Party July 4 Sunday Premier Race Day July 17 Saturday 5K Fun Run leading up to Graded Stakes Race. July 23 Friday After Work Party leading up to Graded Sates Race. July 24 Saturday Graded Staked Day July 25 Sunday Beach Towel Giveaway Sept 4 Saturday Kid's Day Sept 19 Sunday Concert Series Oct 2 Saturday October Beer Stein Giveaway Nov 6 Saturday National Breeder's Cup Dec 4 Saturday Fan Appreciation Day 82 Cover Art *Cover Art by Sharon Crute. Acquired from website: http:handarc.simplenet.com/. 83