McKay commits to new season of Caymanas Live

SPONSOR McKay Security has committed to another year of the Caymanas Entertainment Live Series following Caymanas Track Limited's (CTL) announcement of increased betting on racedays when the popular series hosts top acts at the Portmore racetrack.

Jason McKay, chief executive officer, McKay Security, said the one-year-old series has delivered on its promise of using entertainment to drive attendance and betting at Caymanas Park and its off-track betting parlours.

"Sponsorship of the series started in February last year with Busy Signal. It was up for renewal when I read CTL's figures, especially after Gully Bop and Sizzla's performances. It was a no-brainer after that," McKay said.

INCREASED SALES

CTL's chief executive officer, Cedric Stewart, last week confirmed that the horse-racing promoting company noted increased sales of $2.65m per raceday on the days Gully Bop and Sizzla performed at the racetrack.

"It's good and a welcome sign. There is no doubt in our minds that top-class entertainment attracts more visitors to the park and, indeed, once they are here, some of them will wager," he told The Gleaner.

McKay said he has been vindicated as the concept had its doubting Thomases, who were sceptical whether those turning out for the entertainment would have actually bet on the horses.

"The purpose of the series is to increase sales at the racetrack, which can only be done by enticing people who would not have been there under normal circumstances. Being there and seeing the excitement and enthusiasm of regular patrons, they are bound to bet," he said.

Having already hosted top acts such as Busy Signal, I-Octane, Tifa, Alkaline, Spice, Kalado, Gully Bop and Sizzla," McKay said the series will have a blend of legends and popular acts for the 2016 season.

"We want a diverse crowd, so we're getting some big names in dancehall and reggae for 2016," he declared.