Party FAQ

 

GENERAL

Where is Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment located?

We are located 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Your venue is quite large, how do my guests know where they are going?

We provide 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 once inside the building.

 

Can I bring my own music?

Yes!  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 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.

 

FOOD & DRINK

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.

 

PAYMENT

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.

 

What type of payments do you accept and when are they required?

We accept credit cards, checks or wire transfer for deposits and final payments.   A 20% 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.

 

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.)