Saratoga Race Track FAQS
Saratoga Race Course is a historic thoroughbred horse racing venue in Saratoga Springs, NY, located just 30 minutes south of beautiful Lake George. The annual summer meet runs from Fourth of July Weekend through Labor Day, and attracts over one million visitors each year.
Even if betting on the ponies isn’t your thing, there is truly something magical about spending a day at the races. Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Saratoga Race Course, and start planning your summer vacation in the Southern Adirondacks.
Saratoga Race Course opened on August 3, 1863 and is considered the oldest major thoroughbred horse racing track, as well as the oldest active sporting venue in the United States.
The Saratoga summer meet will officially open for the 2026 season with the July 4th Racing Festival from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5. Following opening weekend, races will begin running every Thursday through Sunday, starting July 9. The track then transitions to the traditional Wednesday through Sunday race schedule starting on July 29 and closes on Monday, September 7, 2026.
Gates open at 7:00 am for early entry, and early arrival is critical if you want to secure one of the free picnic tables in the backyard picnic area behind the grandstand and clubhouse. These tables are usually claimed within minutes of the gates opening, so be sure to bring your tablecloth to reserve your spot.
The track remains open for guests to watch morning workouts and to enjoy breakfast on The Porch of the Clubhouse from 7:00 am until 9:30 am. Everyone must leave after the breakfast hours conclude, and return when the gates officially open for live racing, typically around 11:00 am.
Post-time for the first race is generally around 1:00 pm, and the final race of the day concludes around 6:00 pm. Hours vary slightly during marquee days, like the Travers Stakes Race in late August.
General admission to Saratoga Race Course is just $7 per person when purchased in advance via Ticketmaster, or $10 if purchased at the gates. General admission tickets provide access to the picnic area, Clubhouse, Grandstand and trackside apron. Guests can also purchase season passes and premium reserved seating for an additional fee.
The dress code at Saratoga Race Course varies by area. Casual attire is permitted in the picnic area and Grandstand, however, jeans, shorts, sneakers and flip-flops are not allowed in the Clubhouse, Box Seats, the 1863 Club, the Turf Terrace, Club Terrace, Easy Goer, or The Porch. Gentlemen are required to wear suits or sport jackets in the Box Seats and some sections of the Turf Terrace. “Neat Casual” is required in all other areas.
Yes, Saratoga Race Course offers free general parking with shuttle service, however these lots fill fast, so early arrival is recommended. You can also make pre-paid reservations for Preferred Parking and Silver Trackside Parking, or take advantage of the valet parking offered to 1863 Club guests. Many nearby homeowners also open their lawns for daily parking for a fee.
Yes, outside food and beverages (no glass) are permitted at Saratoga Race Course, and small coolers (maximum size 12″ x 18″) are allowed inside the building and the trackside apron. Larger coolers are permitted in the picnic area. Alcoholic beverages are allowed, but must be in plastic containers or cans – no glass is permitted – and coolers are subject to inspection.
Yes, the venue is entirely cashless. All transactions for tickets, parking, and concessions require cards or digital payment. Reverse ATMs (cash-to-card kiosks) are available throughout the venue for your convenience.
Yes, Northern Living features several luxury vacation home rentals near Saratoga Race Course, including vacation homes on Lake Luzerne, Glen Lake and in the Southern Lake George Region, only 20-30 minutes from the track. Many of these vacation homes feature lake access, dock space, and luxury amenities, such as hot tubs, fireplaces, game rooms and bars.
Search our properties or contact us and allow our concierge professionals to personally pair you with the perfect home for your vacation in the Southern Adirondacks.
