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I received a reply to my request for Breeders' Cup tickets that started out, "Dear Valued Patron." I had to laugh -- what a misnomer.
Gee, for only $50 per relative or friend, I can reserve a gift of seats in some elevated trackside boxes that affords the best view of the stretch between the sixteenth pole and the finish line. But they won't be shielded from the sun nor rain, I learned after phoning 800-771-8873, ext. 6940. I believe that's a better deal than $75 for uncovered apron seating past the Gulfstream Park finish line or those on the third floor at the eighth pole. On-track parking will cost $15, but more than five seats require two passes. I'm sure those box lunches will be worth every penny of $11. There is better seating for "valued fans," the BC brochure indicates. It's on the first floor at the eighth pole at $125 a pop. Get this -- all those same seats on BC Friday and Sunday go from $11 to $13 either day. At least those "valued fans" can see the track. You will pay $10 for general admission, but stay only on the paddock side of Gulfstream. You can pay more not to see the races, too: Great Hall dining, $75, sold in multiples of twos, but at least lunch is included; Great Hall seating, $35, plus $11 for the optional box lunch; and paddock seating, $20 or $50. There are cheapies: festival stadium seating. They only run $12.50. But they're located in the boonies outside the seven-eighths and eighth pole. They're out in the open -- and you must stick in the area. I talked to several colleagues and fans upset with the arrangements. One friend wrote a letter to BC officials that was printed in last Sunday's Daily Racing Form. In part, it said: "I have attended six of the last nine Breeders' Cup events. It seems with each passing year it is more difficult to get a decent seat. ... when push comes to shove, the average fan takes a beating, especially in situations such as this." The best seats, I was informed, go to BC officials, horse owners, Gulfstream's Turf Club members, season box seat holders, etc. The average fan might do better wagering at a simulcast facility and watching the races at home on TV. I intend to look the gift horse in the mouth, but volunteer to carry bets from relatives and close friends, those average fans, to the track. Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Breeders’ Cup: Bah, Humbug! in Horse Racing is owned by Greg Melikov. Permission to republish Breeders’ Cup: Bah, Humbug! in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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