'We don't want it to be doom and gloom' - Arc announces new ticket structure

Arena Racing Company (Arc) has announced a new ticket pricing structure for 2023 which it hopes will increase the value of racing to spectators, despite the "doom and gloom" of the cost of living crisis.

The new structure is set to begin at some fixtures this year before being fully phased in across its 16 courses next year, where advance grandstand enclosure tickets will start from a minimum of £12 at some meetings.

A new ‘day at the races’ package will also be available in advance for all fixtures, offering an entrance ticket along with a racecard, drink and pie for only £5 more than the advanced ticket price.

The company's racing division managing director, Mark Spincer, believes the new prices will help racegoers afford a day out, despite the difficult economic climate.

He said: "We're trying to offer value to know what it's going to cost you to come and have an enjoyable time with family or friends, even during these difficult times where money is tight. We don't want it to be doom and gloom for everybody.

"Everyone at our tracks has been involved in making this, it's very much been a collective in how we will engage with those local communities around each of our 16 racecourses."

Lingfield's Winter Million meeting will have grandstand tickets starting from £15Credit: Edward Whitaker

Some British racecourses said last week they will review admission prices this winter due to the cost of living and low summer attendances, with Arc-owned Chepstow saying it planned to "adjust its prices" accordingly.

Earlier this week, Chester also announced it will offer a new £10 'Roodee' ticket, which grants access to the open course and the Dee Stand, due to the cost of living and attendances.

While Spincer said it was "fair" to say falling attendances was another factor, he believes the pricing is key to keep racing fans coming to the track.

"We'd like to keep hold of our loyal customers that have supported us pre and post-Covid," he added. "If a few more people come along as well that'll be great for everybody and a benefit to racecourses, bookmakers and the levy. Hopefully everybody wins a little bit."

Two of Arc's notable meetings in January, the three-day Winter Million at Lingfield and Doncaster's two-day Skybet Chase meeting, will offer grandstand tickets for £15.

Spincer added: "With the day at the races package costing less than £20 with entrance, getting a racecard and drink and food too, we think it will give racegoers a real nice time to enjoy themselves, rather than not knowing how much it'll cost once they get there.

"With Lingfield's Winter Million, I don't think there's much better value anywhere else to watch horses run for £1million in the marketplace."

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