1751 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70119 www.fairgroundsracecourse.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark A. Conner, Sr. Director of Marketing; 504.948.1203, mark.conner@fgno.com
Brian Spencer Track Analyst/Racing Communications, 504.948.1233, brian.spencer@fgno.com
clubhouse RESERVATIONS LINE OPENS OCTOBER 28;
TRACK OPENS 142nd thoroughbred season WITH EXOTIC starlight racing night - NOVEMBER 22
NEW ORLEANS (Friday, October 25, 2013) – Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots will begin accepting Clubhouse and box seat reservations for the 142nd Thoroughbred Racing Season on October 28, for a special early opening day featuring its well-known Starlight Racing event highlighted by Exotic animal racing on November 22. The Thanksgiving Day card on Nov. 28, will once again celebrate the New Orleans local past-time of racing on the fall holiday. Reservations can only be made by phone on weekdays (through Nov. 22) or live racing days (Nov. 22 and beyond), from 9 a.m. to 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 row.
There will be an early first post on Thanksgiving Day at 11 a.m. Central Standard Time.
Reservations for Louisiana Derby Day (March 29, 2014) will not be accepted until January 6. All other dates will be open Oct. 28.
Other Key Dates
Clubhouse reservations will also open Oct. 28 for a slew of important stakes days and Starlight Racing nights.
Major stakes days this season include Louisiana Champions Day presented by Acadian Ambulance (Dec. 14), Road to the Derby Kickoff Day presented by Hotel Monteleone (Jan. 18), Louisiana Derby Preview Day presented by Lamarque Ford (Feb. 22) and Louisiana Derby Day (Mar. 29).
The popular Starlight Racing series presented by MillerCoors with live music, DJs, popular local restaurant fare, drink specials and racing under the lights returns for five dates, including: Nov. 22, Dec. 20, Jan. 17, Feb. 7 and March 14. Nov. 22 also includes a local area sports mascot race as well as Exotic ostrich and camel racing.
Novelty and social racing events are scheduled as follows: Super Santa Family Day (Dec. 21), Team Ghost Riders on Starlight Night (Feb. 7) and Weiner Dog Racing (Feb. 15).
Clubhouse admission on all programs throughout the 84-day season will be $10, except for Starlight Racing Exotic Animal Night, Nov. 22, which is $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 5 to 12 and Free for children under Age 5.
Additional live racing dates that traditionally fill up early are Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 28-30), the day after Christmas (Dec. 26), New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) and Mardi Gras Day (Mar. 4).
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Reservations Line Opens Oct. 28
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Clubhouse and Grandstand Boxes
In addition to Clubhouse Dining, fans can reserve Clubhouse or Grandstand boxes for any day of the meet except Louisiana Derby Day.
A limited number of Clubhouse boxes are available daily for $35 (for six) or $17.50 (for three), except for Starlight Racing and Special Events, when the cost is $95 (for six) or $47.50 (for three). Box seat prices include the standard 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’re priced at $80 (for six) or $40 (for three). Box seat prices include the standard admission charge for Starlight Racing and Special Events.
Call (504) 943-2200 for box reservations.
Group Events, Parties and Meetings
Fair Grounds caters to a wide variety of special events and meetings and can accommodate groups of 25 to 400. For more information on scheduling a group event or meeting at Fair Grounds, call (504) 948-1285 or email groupsales@fgno.com.
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 142nd Thoroughbred Racing Season – highlighted by the 101st running of the $1 million Louisiana Derby and the accompanying Infield Festival – will run from November 22, 2013 through March 30, 2014. More information can be found online at www.FairGroundsRaceCourse.com.
-FG-
Mark A. Conner
Sr. Director of Marketing
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
A Churchill Downs Company
1751 Gentilly Boulevard
New Orleans, LA 70119
504.948.1203 (p)
504.208.0130 (c)
504.948.1160 (f)
Upcoming Events:
Opening Day with Exotic Racing - Nov. 22
Reservations for Opening Day & Thanksgiving - Oct. 28
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