The Meadowlands Sports Complex opened 50 years ago, on Sept. 1, 1976, unveiling the region’s premier racetrack and Giants Stadium soon after. The move to bring entertainment to the region proved to be a massive success, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the region. Over the years, the complex has undergone many changes, however, it has maintained its role as a catalyst for economic growth in the region.
The Meadowlands Racetrack will be celebrating 50 years of harness racing in the region on Saturday, Sept. 12, with giveaways, special deals and, of course, harness racing. Starting at 6 p.m., the first 1,000 fans at the racetrack will receive a commemorative 50th anniversary flask. There will also be special deals for concessions, including $1 popcorn, soda, hot dogs and pretzels, as well as $2 Bud Light drafts.
The venue will be hosting harness races at 6:20 p.m., celebrating a half century of racing in the region. There will also be video reels and interviews throughout the night that highlights the history and best moments of the racetrack’s history.
From George Steinbrenner to former Jets quarterback Joe Namath, the racetrack has hosted some of the biggest stars. Not only off the track, but the racetrack itself also featured some of harness racing’s biggest names. Rambling Willie, one of the most beloved harness racing horses of all time, took home a victory at the Meadowlands Racetrack’s opening night in 1976. Muscle Hill is another harness racing legend who has appeared in the region, taking home victory at the 2009 Hambletonian. For all the history that the region has seen over the past 50 years, this year was one of the most historic. Last month, a new record was set at the $1 million Hambletonian, setting the fastest time in the race’s 101-year history.
Aside from the racing, food has also played a significant role in the venue’s history. The Meadowlands Racetrack hosts some of the region’s most-anticipated food and beverage festivals, offering a wide variety of choices. From Seafood Fest to Beer Fest to their BBQ Extravaganza, there is something for everyone to enjoy throughout the racetrack’s season of food-related events. Given its great connection to the industry, it is no surprise that the racetrack has hosted some celebrity chefs over the years. In 2016, Bartolo “Buddy” Valastro Jr., better known as the star of Cake Boss and owner of Carlo’s Bakery, created a cake for one of the racetrack’s events that ended up on his show. Chef David Burke, who oversees more than a dozen restaurants in the United States and beyond, as well as being a frequent personality on Iron Chef America, came to the racetrack for one of its 2006 Pegasus wine dinners.
“On Saturday September 12th we want to give back to our fans with a chance to win up to $50 in betting vouchers (to celebrate 50 yrs) through our tote machine payout promotion,” said Jason Settlemoir, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of the Meadowlands Racetrack. “We are also doing a flask giveaway similar to what was done during the early years of the racetrack. We will also be showing highlight reels from some of the track’s greatest moments and have interviews with some key players over the last 50 years.”
50 years is a monumental occasion for the Meadowlands Racetrack, celebrating their biggest events and most memorable races. Guests in attendance have the opportunity to spend the day taking in history at the Meadowlands and celebrating all of the history that has taken place at the racetrack over the past half century.
To learn more about the event, visit Meadowlands 50th Anniversary Celebration.