Sunday, June 22nd, 2008
Fun With the Ponies
Talk about a cheap date.
I went out with a bunch of friends today to celebrate another friend’s birthday today at Golden Gate Fields — the Bay Area’s last remaining horse track. We had a great time drinking beers, eating hot dogs, betting on the ponies and listening to a killer 80s cover band.
The total bill? Just $8 before the wagers. Evidently every Sunday is dollar day, where parking, admission, beers (3), hot dogs (2), and race program are all just a buck.
To put this in perspective for anyone outside the Bay Area, I spent $9 on Friday night for a single drink at a bar and $12 for parking at Union Square the day before.
With the $18 I bet on the the first five races (losing $8), it still comes in cheaper than a movie, dinner, or just about any other outing in San Francisco short of sitting in the park and reading a book (which is also fun when you can avoid the fog).
It’s a shame both Golden Gate Fields and Bay Meadows Racecourse are continually struggling to survive; both are on the verge of becoming strip malls, condos or car dealerships. Given my afternoon today, I hope at least one can keep afloat until the next time I need a lazy, fun afternoon with the ponies.
(Picture courtesy of Flickr user ian_ransley)
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