1863 Club Brings a Cool New Amenity to Saratoga

Despite all the marvelous qualities rolled into a day at Saratoga Race Course, for more than a century and a half there has been one persistent and messy problem.

Sweat.

But now, thanks to a marriage of modern technology and Victorian charm, the 156th season at the Spa finally has an oasis from the elements.

The July 11 opening day at Saratoga also marked the opening of the 1863 Club, a 36,000-square-foot structure offering three floors of seating, dining, wagering, and close-up trackside views in protected, air-conditioned comfort.

Judging by the bustling activity on all three floors during an opening day that featured a mix of muggy conditions and intermittent rain showers, the new facility seems well on its way to becoming a welcomed addition at the summertime venue.

"The building fits right in with the character of the place. It's packed today. The air conditioning is a big hit. The food looks good, and everyone is having a ball," said David O'Rourke, the New York Racing Association's CEO and president. "It's opening day. What's not to like about it?"

The three levels of the 1863 Club can accommodate a wide range of clientele, ranging from individuals to groups with everything from table seating to suites.

The first floor, The Rail at the 1863 Club, can seat up to 500 with ceiling-to-floor windows for superb views of the racing and offers a buffet luncheon to patrons and groups. There also is outdoor trackside seating with tables for four to six people adjacent to the horse path leading to the racetrack. On July 14, admission to The Rail at the 1863 Club will be available for a reduced price of $50 per person as an Opening Weekend special.

The second floor of the 1863 Club, which is presented by Encore Boston Harbor, has a bridge linking it to the clubhouse box seats. The area has two sections. The Founders' Club, which seats about 200, is available to holders of clubhouse boxes for a separate membership fee and offers a la carte dining. The other side of the room houses the Legends Hall, a smaller area for groups.

The top floor houses five luxury suites that fit about 50 guests each and are named after Lady Eli, Rachel Alexandra, Forego, Whirlaway, and Native Dancer.

Prominent owner Sol Kumin secured one of the luxury suites for the meet and gave it a stamp of approval.

"They did a really good job," Kumin said. "The view of the finish line is amazing. The service seems to be good. The food is good. It's beautiful. Honestly, for us, it's probably too big. I'm here with Bob Edwards and Peter Brant. Everyone is sitting in the suite because it's dry and air-conditioned. It gets hot here, so the ability to have the air conditioning all day is a big thing. It's also nice having a betting window in the suite so you take your time. So far, so good."

With the building located at the base of the clubhouse, a hallmark of each area is a patio railing that puts patrons right on top of the action as the horses head into the first turn.

"I think it will serve a need for Saratoga," said Michael Dubb, a former leading owner at Saratoga and a member of NYRA's board of directors. "Time will tell. We'll evaluate the bottom line of the entire operation and see the effect of it. But you have to be in it to win it, so we're trying.

"It's a viable option, that's for sure."

For more information about The 1863 Club, click here.