Frank Vuono, a founder and partner of 16W Marketing and 4th Quarter Marketing, feel it’s an opportunity to demonstrate the Meadowlands can hold a big-time sports event in a post-COVID world.
Jim Kirkos, the CEO of the Meadowlands Chamber, feels it’s an opportunity for fans to see the wide variety of food and entertainment options the region has to offer.
John Campbell, the president of the Hambletonian Society and the event’s all-time winningest driver, feels it’s just good racing.
When harness racing’s two biggest events — the Hambletonian and Breeders Crown — return to Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment this August and October, it will be an opportunity for harness racing to get back to the track.
“Pairing harness racing’s national championship, the Breeders Crown, with its signature race, the Hambletonian, is a rare occurrence and the perfect opportunity to once again demonstrate that the Meadowlands region and the state of New Jersey know how to host and promote premier sports events,” Vuono said.
Vuono, whose firm was hired to do promotion, feels it’s a solid sell for sponsors.
“Meadowlands Racing is the leading venue for harness racing in North America, and being able to showcase the Hambletonian and the Breeders Crown back-to-back is the ultimate engagement opportunity for fans and sponsors,” he said.
Kirkos said it will be a great way for the region to reintroduce itself to sports’ fans.
“This is like the Olympics of harness racing, because you’re getting all the best athletes in the sport in one place and it only happens every four years,” he said. “We’re thrilled to roll out the red carpet and offer a Meadowlands’ warm welcome to all the drivers, trainers and fans of the sport.
“We will show them a great time while they’re here with the diverse array of entertainment, dining and hospitality options that the Meadowlands region has to offer.”
Hambletonian Day 2021 will be Aug. 7. The Breeders Crown elimination events will be held Oct. 22-23, with the final races held Oct. 29-30.
