The National Thoroughbred Racing Association's (NTRA) mobile marketing tour, the NTRA Racing Experience, is on the road again in 2001. The interactive exhibit is staged in an area measuring 60 feet long and 12.5 feet high and brings racing to the fans through awareness, education and sampling. It features displays on the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, the Triple Crown, Breeders' Cup, the AQHA, jockeys, owners, trainers, the Eclipse Awards and the Thoroughbred breed. An interactive wagering game and a fantasy, make-your-own-race-call attractions are also on board, all free of charge.Launched last year at the Kentucky Derby, the NTRA Racing Experience enjoyed a very successful 2000. The exhibit hosted 104,000 on-board patrons-most under age 30-and garnered a total of 32.9 million impressions during its 111 stops last year. The 2000 tour covered many different events and markets and reached a diverse group of consumers.The Experience made its 2001 debut on January 20 at the historic Alamo and Riverwalk in San Antonio, Tex., before heading across town to the National HBPA Convention. The NTRA Racing Experience now heads to Tampa, Fla., for the Community Festival Bud Bowl Fest (January 25-28) during Super Bowl week.
In addition, the NTRA announced recently that it has teamed up with the Sports Illustrated Campus Fest(r) to have the Experience appear at four college campuses and make a 12-day stop at Spring Break in Panama City, Fla."The NTRA Racing Experience is a treat for newcomers and existing fans, alike," said Keith Chamblin, the NTRA's vice president-industry and marketing. "It's hard to come away from it without a good feeling about horseracing, and it's exactly that type of exposure that will help grow the sport's fan base."Here is the 2001 NTRA Racing Experience Winter Schedule:
Dates Event/Site Market Area
Jan. 20-22 Alamo/National HBPA Convention San Antonio, Tex.
Jan. 25-28 Super Bowl Bud Bowl Fest Tampa, Fla.
Feb. 2-3 Delta Downs Vinton, La.
Feb. 9-11 Equine Affaire Pomona, Calif.
Feb. 14-15 Cal State Polytechnic Univ. San Bernadino Calif.
Feb. 21-22 UC - Irvine Los Angeles, Calif.
Feb. 23-25 Surfside Race Place Del Mar, Calif.
March 5-16 Spring Break Panama City, Fla.
March 28-29 University of North Florida Jacksonville, Fla.
April 6-8 Long Beach Grand Prix Long Beach, Calif
