When Buffalo Raceway swings open its gate to begin the 55-day live harness racing meet on Saturday, March 2, starting at 6 p.m., fans on and off track will see a 'new look' at how the races are presented.
Buffalo Raceway's broadcasts will now be in high definition and will also have new graphics as well to complement the off-track and in-house feeds.
"I think the high definition and new graphics is really going to elevate the whole racing experience on and off track," said Paige Usiak, Buffalo Raceway's marketing coordinator and race host. "High definition will now bring the track into the modern era. We've seen glimpses of the new look as technicians have installed it and fans are really going to like it.
It's a simple and sleek design," continued Usiak. "Also, we will have a scroll on the bottom of the screen with information, which will help people both on track and all over the country."
Buffalo Raceway's general manager Jon Cramer said excitement is mounting for the upcoming season.
"There's a lot of excitement here," said Cramer. "With a high definition broadcast, a full barn area, $100,000 [USD] in average daily overnight purses and the completion of a more extensive track resurfacing project, we are really looking forward to the meet."
Buffalo Raceway kicks off its 2024 campaign on Saturday evening with free programs for all patrons and the return of the Lucky Exacta Contest where fans can win free wagers. The lucky exacta combination comes with a free Buffalo Raceway "Where You Goin" t-shirt.
"It's a very popular promotion for us," Usiak said and quickly added, "Who doesn't like a free t-shirt?"
While opening night is always a big event, Cramer stated, "There will be something going on here every Saturday night."
The draw for the first night of action will be held on Wednesday morning, Feb. 28.
Usiak noted some highlights on the promotion calendar includes "March Mayhem," which coincides with March College Basketball Tournament, the Battle Of The Best Handicapping Tournament, which carries a $1,000 prize pool at the end of each month and the Erie County Fair Celebration, which will be held on closing night, Saturday, July 20.
She went on to say that The Dine & Derby Party is back by popular demand on Saturday, May 4 along with the return of food trucks throughout the season and the annual Father's Day Chicken BBQ on Saturday, June 16.
"We are doing whatever we can to promote Buffalo Raceway, including bringing youths to the track," said Usiak. "We have at least four youth groups coming in this year to tour the facilities from the backstretch, announcer's booth, television room and more. I want to show them that the racetrack is a lot more than the horses, drivers, grooms and trainers."
There are also three new faces as well at Buffalo Raceway. The New York track previously announced that John Emmerling is the track's new photographer, Carlee Comer is joining the staff as the outrider and Vince Urciuoli has been named the Horsemen's Bookkeeper.
In March, Buffalo Raceway will run a Wednesday and Saturday schedule. First post on Wednesday will be 2:30 p.m. while Saturday evenings will kickoff at 6 p.m., with the exception of Saturday, May 4 (Kentucky Derby Day), which will begin at 2:30 p.m. Friday racing will begin on April 3 with the starting time slated for 2:30 p.m.
For more information including the latest news, upcoming promotions, entries, results and race replays, go to buffaloraceway.com.
(With files from Buffalo Raceway)