Saratoga Race Course

The basics

Choose from tickets with different types of seating and access to live racing events, including general admission, reserved seating, or seats in the picnic paddock, clubhouse, or one of the racecourse restaurants. During race days, you can also enjoy breakfast, watch the thoroughbred horses train from the Whitney Viewing Stand, and enjoy a free tram tour of the backstretch. Paid guided walking tours are also available and include race day add-on tours of the paddock, backstretch, or breeding farm.

Things to know before you go

• You can buy admission tickets on race day or in advance.

• Different areas of the race course have different dress codes.

• Saratoga Race Course offers wheelchair-accessible seating, parking, elevators, and restrooms.

• The race course has an assortment of restaurants and other dining options. You can also bring food and drinks in, though glass is not permitted and coolers are only allowed in certain areas.

How to get there

Saratoga Race Course is at 167 Union Ave in Saratoga Springs, north of Albany. Take I-87 to Exit 14 to NY Route 9P or I-90 or Route 29 to Saratoga Springs. Several different parking lots are available, including free and paid lots. You can also reach Saratoga Springs by bus or Amtrak train, then take a taxi or rideshare to the race course.

When to get there

The summer meet at Saratoga Race Course runs for eight weeks from July to September, with five days of racing weekly, except for during the Closing Week. The most popular event is the Travers Stakes on Travers Day, typically in late August; advance booking is essential. Breakfast and tram tours are held in the morning during live race days.

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

Fans of thoroughbred racing won’t want to miss the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Across the street from Saratoga Race Course, the museum traces the sport’s history and has historical artifacts, artwork, trophies, memorabilia, and a signature film on the sport. Guided tours are available and include the museum, area horse farms, and even Saratoga Race Course’s Oklahoma Training Track.