Nation’s second-oldest operating racetrack undergoes major venue enhancements including newly renovated paddock, updated Winner’s Circle, new Ultra Lounge, slot floor renovation and more to be revealed on November 20
NEW ORLEANS — The Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots (Fair Grounds), the nation’s second-oldest operating race track and premiere race track in Louisiana, announced today that its 154th Thoroughbred racing season will kick off on Thursday, November 20 with live racing and exciting programming through Sunday, March 22, 2026. The 2025-26 season will offer fans unique event opportunities to visit the Fair Grounds with returning favorites including the Thanksgiving Classic (Nov 27), Exotic Animal Races (Dec 6/Jan 31), Louisiana Champions Day (Dec 13) and more, plus new events including the Clash of the Colleges Twilight Races (March 14). Thanksgiving Classic tickets are now available at www.fairgroundsracecourse.com, with all additional racing tickets (free Grandstand access plus additional paid options) and special events (starting at just $10) available to purchase this Friday, November 7 at 10 am CT.
In addition, The Fair Grounds will unveil a series of exciting venue enhancement updates on November 20 designed to elevate both the guest and racing experience:
- The newly-renovated paddock (centrally located, steps away from the racetrack where horses are gathered and displayed before a race) now features improved drainage, elegant pavers and enhanced landscaping, highlighted by a striking horse sculpture and coin fountain — with all proceeds benefiting equine rehabilitation charities.
- Overlooking the beautiful paddock space is the new Ultra Lounge, an inviting venue with a private bar, state-of-the-art sound system and upscale furnishings that create a stylish outdoor lounge atmosphere, perfect for private events (and endless photo moments!).
- Guests will also enjoy the refreshed Tenacious Bar on the fourth floor of the Clubhouse, now featuring a more polished, upscale look — the perfect spot to relax and take in the paddock views.
- Inside, the slot floor renovation brings a modern new look with updated carpeting, color scheme and painting, while brand-new restrooms will be completed by year’s end.
- On race days, fans can now visit the relocated Race Day Production area on the third floor to interact with on-air personalities and experience the excitement behind the scenes.
- Rounding out the improvements is an updated Winner’s Circle, featuring new pavers and landscaping to create an elegant backdrop for post-race celebrations.
“We are thrilled to welcome local faces, out-of-town visitors, and the sport’s top trainers and jockeys to experience the newly enhanced Fair Grounds for our 154th racing season,” said Cathy Beeding, President and General Manager of The Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. “These enhancements are a true reflection of our ongoing commitment to providing guests, horsemen and fans with the best experience possible. We look forward to showcasing these enhancements through our amazing programming and providing a space to create unforgettable memories for our guests.”
This racing season’s programming features a variety of exciting and unique events for guests of all ages. Highlights include:
- November 27 (12 pm) Thanksgiving at the Fair Grounds (<– tickets now available): Join us on Thanksgiving Day for an incredible day of racing, dining and fun for the whole krewe! Whether savoring all the latest culinary offerings in the Clubhouse (waitlist available here) and Black Gold Dining or watching racing action from the best seats in the house at the 101st Thanksgiving Classic, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
- December 6 (12:45 pm) Exotic Animal Races / Family Day: A staple at The Fair Grounds since 2012 with sellout crowds each year, this popular event welcomes families of all ages to enjoy exotic races with camels, ostriches and zonkeys (zebra/donkey hybrid).
- December 13 (12:45 pm) Louisiana Champions Day: This premiere event will showcase one of the biggest days of championship racing for Louisiana-bred horses. The card will feature 10 exciting races, including seven stakes events, with a variety of divisions and distances contested on both dirt and turf.
- December 20 (12:45 pm) Road to the Derby Kickoff Day: Get ready for a full day of thrilling action as we kick off the Road to the Derby! This exciting event features eight high-stakes races, including top competitions for both colts and fillies—each offering a glimpse of future champions in the making.
- January 17 (12 pm) Road to the Derby Day: RA fan-favorite on our winter racing calendar, Road to the Derby Day features six major races showcasing some of the most promising 3-year-olds on their journey toward the nation’s biggest racing stage. Don’t miss this day packed with excitement, talent, and unforgettable finishes.
- January 31 (12:45 pm) Exotic Animal Races / College Day: This popular event welcomes College students, families and supporters to enjoy exotic races with camels, ostriches and zonkeys (zebra/donkey hybrid).
- February 14 (12 pm) Louisiana Derby Preview Day + Breast Cancer Event: Celebrate love and strength this Valentine’s Day with one of the season’s biggest racing events! Louisiana Derby Preview Day features two of the most anticipated prep races for the spring classics, along with a special on-site Breast Cancer Awareness event. Come enjoy heart-pounding competition and a great cause—all in one incredible afternoon.
- February 28 (12:45 pm) Weiner Dog Races: Enjoy a fun-filled day with purebred Dachshunds competing in a 30-yard dash for a share of $1,000 in cash and prizes.
- March 14 (3 pm) Clash of the Colleges Twilight Races: We’re excited to welcome college students, fans and alumni to join us in their college gear for a fun night of races under the stars, followed by live music in the clubhouse (music act TBD).
- March 21 (12 pm) Louisiana Derby Day: Louisiana Derby Day is the premiere racing day in Louisiana culminating with the $1 million Louisiana Derby. Many of the world’s greats horses, horsemen, trainers and owners will be on site for this day of racing. Total purses from that day’s state races total $2.65M.
Live racing is open to guests of all ages (Children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times). Children are not permitted in the slots or OTB areas. For more information on The Fair Grounds’ racing and special events, visit www.fairgroundsracecourse.com, and follow us on social media at @FairGroundsRaceCourseandSlots (Facebook) and @fairgroundsnola (Instagram).
About Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots (“Fair Grounds”), 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: CHDN). Fair Grounds also operates 15 OTBs (13 with video poker facilities) throughout southeast Louisiana. Live racing at Fair Grounds is set to begin on November 20, 2025 for the 154th Thoroughbred Racing Season – highlighted by the 113th running of the Louisiana Derby in March of 2026. More information can be found online at www.fairgroundsracecourse.com.