According to Steve Bowen, director of business development for Merkley Newman Harty, the New York-based advertising firm handling the NTRA account, the television commercials most likely will not be finished in time for the board meeting, but that rough cuts would probably be available. Two commercial spots have already been shot at Santa Anita. The other presents a day at the races as the antidote to the everyday grind. Print ads are scheduled to be launched around the same time as the TV spots. Bowen added that prior to the Derby, the NTRA intends to put a bettors guide in Sports Illustrated.
TV is part of contemporary reality.
The events announced by the racetrack March 5 include four major festivals and a limited music series. On Labor Day weekend, country and western music will be highlighted during a four-day event that will include a cooking contest, live theater, music, dancers, and activities for children. Arlington plans to host a limited concert series this summer. The alternative activities this year are designed to keep the facility in use and enable Arlington to maintain its core employees, track CEO Scott Mordell said. These interim events are not a long-term solution for the future of our property and organization.