SANTA CLARA, Calif. & JAMAICA, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--VenueNext today announced an agreement with the New York Racing Association (NYRA) to implement its connected venue technology platform, starting with an initial rollout in spring 2017 at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York followed by implementation at Saratoga Race Course in the summer of 2017.
NYRA will use VenueNext’s technology platform to enhance guest experiences and improve business outcomes.
NYRA will implement an all-new mobile experience that will provide guests with convenience and control over how they experience many of the racetrack’s services. The app will help add to the level of activities and excitement between races for fans with seamlessly surfaced venue services like mobile tickets; betting; ordering food, drinks & merchandise for select in-seat delivery or express pick-up; viewing horse and jockey profiles and behind-the-scenes video content; and wayfinding. VenueNext’s real-time data dashboards will help the racetracks make data-driven operational decisions during events. VenueNext will also integrate with the NYRA Bets betting app and NYRA HD video app, and create a seamless loyalty experience across all NYRA touch points.
In 2015, more than 1.75 million people attended live races at NYRA tracks. In the Spring of 2016, NYRA significantly expanded its reach through the launch of a new, live television show broadcast nationally on Fox Sports 2 and the Altitude Sports and regionally on MSG+. Currently, “Saratoga Live” is broadcast every day of live racing from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM and, through these national and regional partnerships, reaches an audience of more than 65 million homes. Additionally, NBC provides their award-winning coverage of NYRA races throughout the year.
On August 8, NYRA announced the successful launch of its new national advance deposit wagering platform (ADW) featuring the most advanced technology available today within a high-quality wagering interface. The new platform is known as NYRA Bets and is available in more than 20 states across the country.
“VenueNext has a proven track record for delivering innovative fan experiences to sporting venues across the country and we’re proud to partner with them,” said NYRA President & CEO Chris Kay. “This partnership is yet another step in our efforts to continuously improve the guest experience through the use of technology. By leveraging VenueNext at Belmont and Saratoga Race Tracks, integrating our new NYRA Bets wagering platform and our new HD Video mobile app, NYRA will create a new standard for the horse racing industry and provide the New York fan base that is so passionate about Belmont and Saratoga the very best experiences possible.”
“We’re excited to bring our platform to such a historically significant organization and racetracks,” said John Paul, CEO and founder at VenueNext. “And we want to innovate together to become the standard horse racing venue experience of the future.”
This furthers VenueNext’s credibility in the sports & entertainment space, having already forged a strong lead with deployments at venues including Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA; Yankee Stadium in New York City; the Orlando Magic’s Amway Center; the Minnesota Vikings’ new U.S. Bank Stadium; and Churchill Downs, Home of the Kentucky Derby. The platform was also successfully deployed at Super Bowl 50 earlier this year.
About VenueNext:
VenueNext is a technology company on a mission to transform the way people around the world experience venues. VenueNext’s platform unifies the venue infrastructure ecosystem giving venue owners access to an entirely new suite of sophisticated software tools and services that enhance business performance. VenueNext also develops context-aware smartphone apps that for the first time seamlessly connect guests with everything a venue has to offer. Founded in 2013, VenueNext is backed by Aurum Partners LLC and other funds affiliated with the owners of the San Francisco 49ers, Causeway Media Partners, Live Nation Entertainment, Twitter Ventures and Aruba Networks. VenueNext has offices in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, New York and London. VenueNext was named one of the top ten most innovative companies in sports by Fast Company in 2015 and the recipient of a 2015 Edison Award for Innovation. Please visit www.venuenext.com to learn more.
About New York Racing Association, Inc.:
The New York Racing Association was founded in 1955 and is franchised to run thoroughbred racing at New York’s three major tracks (Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course) through 2033. With a lineage of nearly 150 years, NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State’s thoroughbred industry, which contributes more than $2 billion annually to its urban, suburban and rural economy.
In 2015, more than 1.75 million people attended live races at NYRA tracks. Factoring in nationwide off-track wagering, the average daily betting handle on NYRA races totaled nearly $11 million. For more information, visit www.NYRA.com. Stay connected with New York Racing by following NYRA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
