Lone Star Park: horse racing, music and more
Published: Jul 6, 2009
And they’re off — to the No. 1 horse-racing destination in North Texas: Lone Star Park.
Located in Grand Prairie, a suburb between Dallas and Fort Worth, Lone Star Park attracts hardcore racing fans and curious novices with a continuous schedule of horse racing and entertainment events.
Every Memorial Day, Lone Star Park hosts its premier thoroughbred event — the Lone Star Million Day that features six stakes races worth over $1 million.
The 1-mile dirt oval and a seven-furlong turf track opened in 1997 and features a regular schedule of thoroughbred racing in the spring and summer and quarter horse racing in the fall.
The grandstand has a seating for about 8,000 people. Many racing fans may remember Lone Star Park served as the site for the 2004 Breeders' Cup, in which the seating was expanded for 50,000 visitors.
General admission into the Post Time Pavilion is $4 on live racing days and $3 on non-live racing days. Racebook carrel seats cost $3 ($8 on Big Event Days) and dining carrel or casual dining seats cost $5.
Top local bands play live music in every Friday and Saturday night between races.
General admission to the park starts at $3 for kids 4 to 12 and $5 for adults. Ages 3 and younger are free.
A general admission ticket allows guests into the first level of the grandstand. The area features concession stands, wagering services, and the track gift shop.
On a first-come, first-serve basis, general admission fans can choose from among hundreds of free seats on the apron level (closest to the track). Plus, they can bring blankets, lawn chairs and coolers (no alcohol or no glass containers) for use in the grassy areas in front of the Post Time Pavilion and the Courtyard of Champions, a picnic area with a view of the track.
Guest can opt for Clubhouse admission at $8 for adults and $3 for kids 4-12, which gives guests access to both the second and fourth levels of the grandstand and climate-controlled views of the track. Both floors offer complete wagering service, while the second floor offers many concession options, video monitors of the racing action, and ample standing room.
The park also offers a range of reserved seating options that will get guest closer to the racing, social or dining action. Prices range from $8 for apron seats to $27 for finish line box seats for up to four people.
For a true upscale horse racing experience, patrons can take in a race at Silks Dining Terraces. A dress code for the dining room is strictly enforced. Tables can be purchased in advance, though walk-ups are welcome with a paid Clubhouse admission.
Club Patrons can park free in the general admission lot or pay $7 for preferred parking or $10 for valet.
To plan in advance, fans can make seating and dining reservations by calling (972) 263-PONY or (800) 795-RACE or via email at seating@lonestarpark.com.
While there is no minimum age to enter the grandstand for live racing, children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent. To wager on a horse, you must be 21 or older.
- by Jenn Emerson, Dallas Reporter for HelloMetro
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