A couple weeks ago.

[slp1780]

First time posting: I have to share a story that happened to me a couple weeks ago on a Wednesday night at Northfield. I decided being an advocate of the sport that I would take/persuade a few of my buddy's to the track and give them an education. I'd like to note these guys are well off and have a passion for gambling. We get to track and head into the grandstand right around race 3; first order of business grab some beers right..? We walk up the "bar" and ask what the specials are...well as most of you know there weren't any. We paid 5 bucks a bottle. Before I get too long winded I'll get to the point, but that beer story had to be told. The place was dead (I expected that) but I contend it shouldn't be. The way I see it Northfield has a product PERFECT for the novice bettor. Post positions, Drivers, Giss's tip sheet help handicap. The main problem and it has been this way for decades is the business model (assuming they have one) this place operates under. Beer prices, charging for programs, terrible food, no place to sit with friends (I understand they revamped the downstairs but it's not enough) to list a few. The simul. cubicles are nice but do nothing to promote a welcoming atmosphere. I know they live off simulcast money, I know they operate at bare minimum for staffing, I'm savvy to all of this; however that place could succeed if the track actually WANTED patrons. In closing, I was embarrassed at the end of the night almost apologetic but my biggest shock was that my buddy's had a blast. They loved watching live racing. They loved not just grinding/sitting around a poker table but standing and walking around. They loved bs'ing between races asking questions and attempting to handicap. Harness racing used to be the only game in town, I know it can still hold a piece of that pie. What will the track do to help it? I could have went into every facet of my friends experience that night but I feel my point was made. I'll concede my ideas for success for a later post.

[harness27]

northfield park has changed alot over the last ten years it used to be where on the big race nights you would go into northfield and couldnt walk now when the battle comes up there is hardly anyone there its getting worse every night alot of stuff needs to be changed out there to get there big gamblers back out there i know a couple of gamblers that used to go out there every night for years now they just sit at home and bet .another thing they need to change is there food prices why eat out there when you can eat at home for free just my opion

[slp1780]

"alot" does need to change. Betting at home is the easiest most convenient thing to do. All a track needs to do for the modest to extreme gambler is give them the littlest of reasons to leave their homes. Northfield gives out "kick-backs" yearly to their largest players; so either give an incentive based intrinsic based platform for the everyday guy or make the venue somewhere people want to go i.e. dirt cheap drinks (learn from you microbrew mistake) sportsbar atmosphere, even a place you could bring the family. Canada does this at most of their tracks; Clinton Raceway during the summer is more of a carnival atmosphere than a racetrack. These Canadian racinos are extremely family friendly, Canterbury Downs in MN. is another example of success, on the weekends families pour into the place with picnic coolers and listen to live bands between races.
Things do need to change.