Party Policies & FAQ
Venue & Event Details
VENUE
Where is Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment located?
We are located conveniently off Route 3 and Route 120 (Paterson Plank Road) at One Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford NJ 07073. We are adjacent to Met Life Stadium and American Dream, approximately 7 miles outside of NYC.
Do you have hotel rooms?
No. Our venue does not have hotel rooms however we have numerous hotel partnerships within 5-10 minutes of our venue that we can gladly refer to you.
Your venue is quite large, how do my guests know where they are going?
We provide customized directional signage so your guests don’t get lost! You will provide a name or logo for us to put on the signs and we will show them the way.
Is there free parking?
Yes. We have ample parking spaces including designated handicapped spaces.
Do you have valet parking?
No, we do not have valet parking.
EVENT & SET UP
How many hours is a private event?
Most private events are 4 hours from start to finish, but guests can determine the length of their event based on their needs and agenda.
Can I come in before my event to set up?
Yes! Your space is available for set up two hours before the event starts. If you require additional set up time or need to drop off any items earlier, just contact your event manager to make arrangements.
Can I bring in my own decorations?
Yes! Personalizing the space makes your event extra special. We just ask that you do not put tape or tacks on the walls and avoid confetti or glitter. If you are using one of our outdoor spaces for your event, we suggest not using balloons or candles as it can get quite windy.
Can I bring my own music?
Yes! In most of our spaces, you are welcomed to have a DJ (bring your own or request our house DJ) or use a personal device for music. (Note: Music does not go through the Meadowlands sound system)
Do you have AV equipment on-site?
Yes! We have speakers, microphones, podium and screens which can be available or you are also welcomed to bring your own.
Can I bring decorations?
Yes, with some restrictions. Please avoid use of confetti or glitter. Fixing decorations to the walls using tape or other means is prohibited, along with anything else that could potentially damage walls, furniture or equipment. Note that if your event is in an outdoor area, we suggest avoiding balloons or candles as it can get quite windy.
Do you have access to outside event vendors?
Yes! We have our preferred vendors which we can refer you too, saving you the leg work of finding your own. Everything from DJ’s, balloons and flowers to photographers, photo booths and magicians…plus so much more!
Racing Details
Assuming my event is on a live racing night, what is the racing schedule?
Majority of live harness racing nights start at 6:20pm. Pending how many races that evening, live racing usually ends between 10:30pm – 11:30pm. Each race is approximately 2 minutes in length and there is about 15 minutes in between each race.
Can I have a live horse race named after my company or someone special?
Yes! This is something special we offer that you can’t experience anywhere else. For a $200 fee, the name of your choosing is printed in our racing program for a specific race. Your group then goes down to the winner’s circle to watch their named race up close. The winning horse and their owner will come into the winner’s circle for a souvenir photo with your group.
Can I purchase racing vouchers for my guests?
Yes! The minimum amount is $2.00 per racing voucher. If you would like to give racing vouchers for your guests, you just provide the total cash amount to your event planner prior to your event and they can get you the vouchers. For example, if you have 50 guests and want to give each guest a $2 voucher, then you need $100 cash.
Food and Alcohol
Can I bring my own food?
No. We have our own internal catering teams therefore do not allow outside food to be brought in. We do however work with outside Kosher caterers if requested.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes! We are happy to prepare a special meal for someone with an allergy or dietary restriction. We ask that you notify us of any special requests when you submit your menu choices.
When should I choose my menu?
We ask that you make your final menu selections at least one month prior to your event.
What if I want to add or change something on the menu?
Not a problem. We can accommodate any food additions or changes that are needed so that you are able to offer a customized menu to your guests.
Can I bring my own dessert?
Guest can bring their own cake for a $35 cake cutting fee. Anything additional needs to be discussed with the event manager. Meadowlands also works with outside bakeries to provide custom desserts as requested.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
No. We have full service bars or are happy to offer you one of our bar packages. We can also develop customized cocktails for your guests as a special touch.
Deposit and Timeline
Is my date and event space reserved?
An event is considered booked and the event space is secured when a 20% deposit is paid. An event contract must be signed by both the client and event coordinator at the time deposit is placed.
When do I need to provide my final guest count?
Final guest count is required 10 days prior to your event. At this time, this will be your final minimum guarantee. Any additional guests beyond this amount will be added to the total outstanding balance.
When should I choose my menu?
We ask that you make your final menu selections at least one month prior to your event. This includes any allergies and gluten free specific requests.
Payment
What type of payments do you accept and when are they required?
We accept credit cards, checks, ACH payments or wire transfer for deposits and final payments. A 20% non-refundable deposit is required with a signed contract. The balance is due 10 days prior to the event. Bar tabs and any outstanding balances are required to be paid in full by the completion of the event. Credit card payments have a 3% charge and ACH payments have a $25 charge. Checks mailed directly or brought in person have no fee.
What is the tax and gratuity?
NJ state tax is 6.625% and gratuity is 21%. Your final contract will reflect this information and be an all-inclusive total. (Note: Tax and gratuity is applied to food and beverage charges only.)
What if my guest count changes?
We will be able to accomodate increases to your guest count within reason. If the final headcount at the event is more than the guaranteed guest count supplied, the host is responsible for paying for additional guests. In the event the headcount is lower, the host is still responsible for paying for the guaranteed minimum number of guests given 10 days prior.