PRESS RELEASES / NEWS

As a unique venue Sandown Park may not be perceived by all as a venue that hosts over 500 non racing events a year. As one of the South East’s top venues to host events of all scale - Sandown Park has worked hard to gain recognition for being more that just a racecourse.

Although being a racecourse is something that adds to the experience of holding an event at Sandown Park. A racecourse which has enthralled crowds since 1875, featuring the Betfred Gold Cup and the Coral-Eclipse. Sandown Park’s racing history and picturesque landscape, set in leafy Surrey, plays a great role in creating an exceptional environment which is appealing for the corporate and private customer to hold events of all kinds.

There are a number of issues that have challenged Sandown Park in becoming a recognisable venue and overcoming the stigma that Sandown Park is purely a racecourse. Management’s decision to capitalise on the 338 non racing days was made over 25 years ago. Since which development and investment in facilities and extensive creative input has succeeded in turning Sandown Park into an excellent venue.  As a racecourse Sandown Park benefits from its infrastructure, with immense halls used for betting on race days. Surrey Hall is one of the largest which boasts some 2,740m² of space for exhibitions, product launches, large conferences, trade shows and AGMs. To overcome the betting hub look of this hall elegant curtains have been installed to section off areas and cover tote windows – with excellent lighting, carpeting and dressing, this hall becomes first class. Rooms and boxes typically used for corporate hospitality clients transform beautifully into conference and meeting rooms and also banqueting suites for corporate parties. To cater for the conference market there has been investment in a state of the art building, namely the Eclipse Pavilion. This building has 4 floors of air conditioned fully serviced offices many of which have balconies and views over the racecourse. For conferences, meetings, training and team building with a difference, other facilities onsite including a dry ski slope, golf and go karting, which can be built into your day.

Other space that can be utilised is the racecourse itself, although particular attention is paid to sustaining the quality of the ground for racing. This outside space can be used for family fun days, summer fairs, concerts and much more. With onsite toilets, the customer experience does not involve visiting the dreaded mobile cubicles found at other outdoor venues! In 2006 the Sugarbabes took over the racecourse and performed a fantastic concert. Following their success, Sandown Park is actively researching a concert programme for 2007 and beyond.

Accessibility is outstanding due to being a racecourse there are brown leisure signs which highlight Sandown Park and immense onsite parking space. Even a landing area for helicopters! Sandown Park has endeavoured to utilise all of its resources from being a racecourse and with efficient staff at its core have created a top class venue.