|
FAQ
Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions Page!
Here is where you can find answers to the most common questions asked by our subscribers! If you cannot find the question you are looking for, click the search button or ask us. For immediate answers to your questions, we encourage you to call our office at: 704.843.7070.
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions
|
|
| Frequently Asked Questions
|
Q: I'm from out of town and never been before. Where is the shuttle pick ups? Its only myself so where is the best place to park/watch/enter with general admission?
A: Thank you for your interest in our event. The shuttles run within the race course and drop off at designated stops. You can pick one up in the general admission parking lot and take it to the corresponding area that your ticket represents.
If you purchase a general admission ticket you can sit in the general admission designated area. (see map on website) We suggest that you bring a blanket or chair as there is not a grandstand. Please browse our website for what to bring or not to bring. Our event is a tailgating event with minimal "for purchase" food/beverages.
|
Q: What happens if it rains? Do you cancel the event?
A: We're a rain or shine event. Be prepared for any kind of weather. Remember, no self installed tents are allowed so either consider purchasing a tailgate space with a tent or umbrella or be prepared to possibly be in the weather - rain or shine. Besides, half the fun and some of the most memorable steeplechase race meets are the ones that had a little weather involved.
|
Q: I have been a loyal subscriber since the beginning. As always, I have a marvelous time and can't wait for this year's race! Although I expect traffic and some back-ups, last year (2008) was particularly bad. Whatsup with that? Willy
A: Thank you Willy for your question and thank you for being a long time subscriber.
The Charlotte Steeplechase Association, Inc., a federally recognized non-profit organization, has been producing the Queen's Cup since its inception in 1995. As you know, in 15 years of organizing our event, we have NEVER experienced the traffic problems as we encountered last year.
Since the last year's races, we have taken the past eight months to study the problem and our analysis found that not one thing caused the problem, but it was more of a combination of multiple things, some out of our control, but most within. In short, we had the "Perfect Storm" for traffic tie-ups and lack of identification to the issues as they were occurring exacerbated the problem. Our crowd size and cars entering the grounds was no larger than in previous years yet within five minutes of gate opening, the problem turned from bad to worse.
Obviously, we can do nothing about the small two-lane country roads leading to the racecourse and the railroad crossings in Waxhaw and downtown Mineral Springs, but we can do a better job of managing traffic once our patrons enter the premises. As you weave your way through three miles of internal road systems to your tailgate space, the process should be easy and transparent. Last year, it was not and for that, we are terribly sorry.
In December, after careful study of the situation working with a traffic engineer and consultant, we hired Parking Unlimited, a professional Charlotte based traffic flow and parking coordinator organization to take over where volunteers have served us well in the past. Parking Unlimited has been working many events you have most likely visited including Lowes Motor Speedway, Bank of America Stadium, Time Warner Cable Arena, Ovens and numerous other college and school functions and venues throughout the Carolinas. They come highly recommended by our event staff company, ShowPros, as well as the Union County Sheriff's Office.
Although the gates still open at 10:00 a.m., we have pushed back the start of the first race by thirty minutes to 1:30 p.m. in order to help relieve some of the anxiety from some of our patrons wanting to "do it all" in the morning before post time of the first race.
We also encourage our patrons to pull up the maps on MapQuest or Google Maps to look for alternate roads leading into Mineral Springs other than the obvious ones like NC-16 (Providence Road). Ultimately, all roads leading to Mineral Springs will become either NC-75 "highway" or Potter Road. With only four entrances into the grounds, expect some delays but nothing like last year's aberration.
By turning this critical function over to the professionals and working closely with the NC Highway Patrol, Union County Sheriff's Office and Waxhaw Police Department, we expect improvement to the traffic flow this year and fully expect this will once again become a non-issue moving forward. |
Q: Are grills allowed at tailgate?
A: Yes and no. We allow grills using propane but for fire hazards, do not allow, what is commonly referred by the Fire Marshall as a open flame grill or cooker, meaning charcoal. Please remember that the grill or cooker must fit into your allotted tailgate space, which in most areas is 12 feet wide by 20 feet long, except in the Meadows and Paddock where the tailgate space is 15 feet wide and 40 feet long. |
Q: We will have a tent at our space on Saturday, but for decorating purposes, we had thought about using some additional tent pegs in the Queen's Cup installed tent. Is that a problem? Thanks! Celia
A: Hi Celia, thanks for thre question. Adding pegs are not a problem as long as they do not present a trip hazard for your guests, and the guests on eitherside of your tailgate space. Please be careful!
|
Q: What is the dress and attire for this event?
A: This is a family event. Attire on the racecourse is somewhat casual though many show-up in sun dresses for ladies and khakis and polo shirts for men. Jeans are rarely seen at the Queen's Cup. Many (men and women) wear hats! Due to the terrain (grassy and undularing), flat soled shoes are highly recommended and stiletto heels are not.
Member's Hill & The Paddock: Guests on Member's Hill and the Paddock should wear dressy clothes, i.e. jacket and tie and long slacks for men while ladies should wear sun dresses, skirts or dressy slacks. Ladies and Gentlemen are encouraged to wear hats at the Queen's Cup. Linen suits and the archetypal ‘Queen's Cup’ Panama hat are traditionally worn by gentlemen. Jeans and shorts are not permitted on Member's Hill.
Since this is a RAIN or SHINE event, be prepared for the sun and the rain but please note as tents and standing umbrellas are not allowed due to the wind risk and viewing! We love pets, especially dogs, but please leave yours at home. |
Q: May I buy a tailgate space next to my friends who have already or are planning to purchase their tailgate for this year's race.
A: If you and your friends have purchased prior to the tailgate lottery process (lottery takes place the end of March) and have notified the Queen's Cup Office that you would like to be placed next to your friend's tailgate space, the Office can draw your lottery together. There exceptions to the rule so contact the Office prior to the lottery to confirm your wishes.
|
Q: Since this is professional horse racing, is there legalized gambling?
A: The State of North Carolina does not, currently or in the works, have legalized pari-mutual wagering. Therefore, the answer is...No!
|
Q: Are there food, drinks and alcohol available at the Queen's Cup?
A: Yes, but on a limited basis. Steeplechase racing is all about tailgating with family and friends. Thus, the Queen's Cup is a BYO event in all regards. We do have a vendor or two selling hamburgers and hot dogs along with soft drinks and water. There are no alcohol sales at the event except at the after party, a.k.a The Hot Walk Party which starts immediately after the last race.
|
|
|
