One of the country's premier harness racing venues, the newly redesigned Meadowlands is more than just the chance to place a bet. "Meadowlands doesn’t feel like your typical racetrack, it’s different," said Dominic Caiazzo, Meadowlands' director of group sales. "It’s much more upscale; we’re really an entertainment center that has a racetrack." For guests, it’s food, drinks and fun without the traditional racetrack vibe
State-owned from 1976 to 2011, the track was purchased by private investors in 2011 and a new venue was built in 2013. Today, Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment features several bars, a restaurant overlooking the track and a rooftop lounge offering views of the track and New York skyline. In warmer months, the fun heads outside. "In the summer we have live concerts, a beer fest outside and some other great events," said Caiazzo. The goal, he explained, is to provide a fun, memorable experience for guests in an environment that "isn't your father's racetrack."
Although Meadowlands races horses year-round on Friday and Saturday nights, and offers simulcast betting seven days a week, the facility has quickly become the go-to place for large-scale gatherings in North Jersey. "We can hold parties ranging from 10 to 10,000 people," said Caiazzo. "The space is great for private parties, corporate functions and even quarterly or yearly trade shows. We're unique because we have a large enough space to accommodate thousands of people and provide built in entertainment, regardless of if there is racing or not."
From planning to cleanup, the staff at Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment has every event covered, regardless of its size. Thanks to on-site event planners, a full-service kitchen and bars, all guests are required to do is show up. "It used to be that people never thought to come here for their functions," said Caiazzo. "However, that's changed, and now it's clear about the great things we do and what we have here.”
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