Many entertainment options at Tioga

Nichols, NY – Tioga Downs is something of a departure from the current norm in harness racing. The fact of the matter is that the facility itself is rather unique, a casino resort that features horse racing as the centerpiece of the experience.

The track is a five eighths mile oval with a safe and kind surface, highly regarded by trainer and drivers alike. The barns are in good condition and several are currently undergoing a remodeling that includes new roofs.

The casino main building is a warm, comfortable setting where during the summer months the open air grandstand is a welcoming destination for many locals, providing the excitement of racing before a raucous crowd.

Coasters sports bar is a popular place for horse people to gather after the live races to enjoy some tasty beverages along with bar food while watching the simulcasts from other tracks and live entertainment.

Sandwiching Coasters in the state of the art FanDuel sports book and the recently renovated simulcast room where action on both breeds is raging 24/7.

The Tioga hotel is a modern and comforting facility which offers  horsepersons a discount on rooms that makes staying over affordable. Several of the area’s finest restaurants are within the facility or you may also enjoy the popular lunch buffet for a mere $5 with you NY license.

A round of golf at the nearby track-owned Tioga Golf Club is available to horsemen for just $22.

Beyond the above, stabling at Tioga affords comforts and benefits like free tickets to several concerts each summer and the use of the hotel pool, the backside laundry, free WiFi throughout the barn area and an exercise wheel as an alternative on the rainy, muddy days, all compliments of an arrangement between management and the Southern Tier Harness Horseperson’s Association (STHHA).

Each race card, there is a $5 dinner buffet offered in the paddock driver’s lounge for all working that evening to enjoy. The paddock itself is a centrally located, easy access modern building.

You’ll race for the highest purses in the Central New York region with an incentive-based bonus program to those who stable on the grounds for all starts made at Tioga.

If you think you may enjoy racing in a beautiful setting with a plethora of creature comforts for both equine and human participants, maybe, just maybe spending the summer at the Tioga Downs resort is for you.

Call Racing Manager Andrew Demsky at (607) 699-7646 or download and submit a Racing Application.

by Nick Salvi, for Tioga Downs