FAIR GROUNDS CLUBHOUSE RESERVATIONS OPEN MONDAY, OCTOBER 16

By Brian Spencer —-

NEW ORLEANS (October 13, 2017) – Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots will begin taking Clubhouse dining reservations for all live race days except Louisiana Derby Day on Monday, Oct. 16. Fair Grounds is set to open its historic 146th Thoroughbred racing season on Saturday, Nov. 18 with a special 3 p.m. first post.

The Thanksgiving Day card on Nov. 23 will once again celebrate the New Orleans local past-time of racing on the fall holiday at the venerable track with a first post of 11 a.m. Reserved dining options for Thanksgiving are available in the Clubhouse and the Black Gold Room. Both venues include admission, buffet, soft drinks and program, and both locations will offer a cash bar. The Pan Zareta Room will host a first-come, first-served buffet.

Clubhouse tables must be purchased by the entire four- or six-seat table and range from $75-$135 per seat for adults and $37.50-$67.50 for children age 12 and under, while seats in the Black Gold Room may be purchased individually for $85 per adult and $42.50 for children age 12 and under. The Pan Zareta buffet will be priced at $37 plus tax for adults and $15 plus tax for children age 12 and under.

Reservations may be made by phone on weekdays through November 16 or on any live racing day between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. by calling (504) 943-2200.

In addition, 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 (Nov. 23-26), the day after Christmas (Dec. 26), New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31), Mardi Gras Day (Feb. 13) and Weiner Dog Racing Day (March 3). Reservations for Louisiana Derby Day will be accepted beginning on Jan. 1.

A limited number of Clubhouse boxes are available daily for $50 (for six) or $25 (for three), except Starlight Racing and selected stakes days when the cost is $110 (for six) or $60 (for three). Clubhouse box seat prices include the standard Clubhouse admission charge.

Grandstand boxes by the day go for $30 (for six) or $20 (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 general admission on special event days.

Box seat reservations can be made by calling Group Sales at (504) 948-1285.

Other Key Dates

Clubhouse reservations will also open on Oct. 16 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 Dec. 9, Road to the Derby Kickoff Day presented by Hotel Monteleone on Jan. 13, Louisiana Derby Preview Day presented by Lamarque Ford Lincoln on Feb. 17, and Louisiana Derby Day presented by Twinspires.com on March 24.

The popular Starlight Racing presented by Miller Lite and Redd’s Apple Ale series returns with live music in the clubhouse and the Miller Time Beer Garden, popular local restaurant fare, drink specials and racing under the lights. A 3 p.m first post on Nov. 18 will be highlighted by The Chee Weez in the Clubhouse and The Jukebox Heroes of New Orleans in the Miller Time Beer Garden. The remaining Starlight dates will begin at 5 p.m. on Dec. 29 (Groovy 7 and Adam Pearce from The Voice), Jan. 19 (The Boogiemen and Jim Lockwood), Feb. 23 (The Mixed Nuts and Amy & Paul from Roux the Day) and March 9 (The Bucktown All-Stars and The Jukebox Heroes of New Orleans).

Private parties and events can be booked through Group Sales by calling (504) 948-1285.

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, LA, 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 146th Thoroughbred Racing Season – highlighted by the 105thrunning of the Louisiana Derby – will run from November 18, 2017 through March 31, 2018. More information can be found online at www.FairGroundsRaceCourse.com