1751 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70119 www.fairgroundsracecourse.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brian W. Spencer, Racing Analyst/Racing Communications, 504.948.1233, brian.spencer@fgno.com
Mark Conner, Sr. Director of Marketing, 504.948.1203, mark.conner@fgno.com
CLUBHOUSE RESERVATIONS LINE OPENS OCTOBER 20; TRACK OPENS 143RD THOROUGHBRED RACING SEASON WITH STARLIGHT RACING NOVEMBER 21
NEW ORLEANS (Thursday, October 16, 2014) – A special Starlight Racing event at 5 p.m. on November 21 will mark the return of thoroughbred racing at the nation’s third-oldest racetrack. Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots will begin accepting Clubhouse and box seat reservations for the 143rd Thoroughbred Racing Season on October 20.
The Thanksgiving Day card on November 27 will once again celebrate the New Orleans local past-time of racing on the fall holiday. Reservations for Louisiana Derby Day (March 28, 2015) will not be accepted until January 5. All other dates, including Thanksgiving, will be open on October 20.
Reservations can only be made by phone on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. through November 21, and then on any live racing day between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m at (504) 943-2200.
Thanksgiving Day Clubhouse Dining reservations start at $70 per person – at tables of four or six only – and go up to $125 per person, depending on the row and vantage point. Reservations include a meal consisting of traditional Thanksgiving fare. Additional Thanksgiving dining options include the Black Gold Room for $80 per person and the grandstand buffet priced at $34 for adults and $12 for children. There will be a special early first post on Thanksgiving of 11 a.m. Full menus are available at www.fgno.com.
In addition to Thanksgiving Clubhouse dining, fans can reserve Clubhouse or Grandstand boxes for any day of the meet except Louisiana Derby Day. Live racing dates that traditionally fill up early are Thanksgiving weekend (November 27-30), the day after Christmas (December 26), New Year’s Eve (December 31), and Mardi Gras Day (February 17).
A limited number of Clubhouse boxes are available daily for $35 (for six) or $17.50 (for three), except Starlight Racing and selected stakes days when the cost is $95 (for six) or $47.50 (for three). Box seat prices include the standard Clubhouse admission charge.
Grandstand boxes by the day go for $20 (for six) or $10 (for three), except for Starlight Racing and Special Events when they are priced at $80 (for six) or $40 (for three). Grandstand box seat prices include Clubhouse admission.
Clubhouse general admission on all programs throughout the 81-day season will be $10. General Grandstand admission is free with the exception of Starlight Racing, selected stakes days, and special novelty program days when admission is $5. Children 12 and under are always admitted free.
Fair Grounds also has the capacity to host private parties and corporate events throughout the season including Starlight Racing events. Designed to accommodate groups of any size, these events can be tailored with food and beverage to your party’s wishes. Group Sales at the Fair Grounds can be contacted at (504) 948-1285.
Other Key Dates
Clubhouse reservations will also open on October 20 for a host of other important stakes days and Starlight Racing nights.
Major stakes days this season include Louisiana Champions Day presented by Acadian Ambulance Service on December 13, Road to the Derby Kickoff Day presented by Hotel Monteleone on January 17, Louisiana Derby Preview Day presented by Lamarque Ford on February 21, and Louisiana Derby Day on March 28.
The popular Starlight Racing presented by Miller Lite series with live music, DJs, popular local restaurant fare, drink specials and racing under the lights returns for five dates: November 21, December 26, January 16, February 27, and March 20. The November and December dates will also feature a cosmic twist that entails black lighting, neon body painting and Miller promotional offerings.
Santa Super Saturday with Holiday Family Day presented by Coca-Cola will be held December 20.
About Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, the nation’s third-oldest racetrack, has been in operation since 1872. Located in New Orleans, Fair Grounds is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN); it also operates a slot-machine gaming facility and 11 off-track betting parlors throughout southeast Louisiana. The 143rd Thoroughbred Racing Season – highlighted by the 102nd running of the Louisiana Derby – will run from November 2014 through March 2015. More information can be found online at www.FairGroundsRaceCourse.com.
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