Year-round live horse racing has returned to Arizona with the opening of Arizona Downs in Prescott Valley. The newly renovated racetrack has been delighting its crowds with Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing, and additional attractions to draw new fans to the sport.
“Year-round horse racing strengthens the industry and benefits everyone – the horse owners, breeders, jockeys and related professions who will now be able to stay in the state to compete,” said Arizona Downs General Manager Ann McGovern. “And, of course, there are thousands of fans who can enjoy horse racing in Arizona throughout the year.”
The management at Arizona Downs is dedicated to drawing new fans to horse racing. During live race days, dozens of people make their way to the second-floor Beer Garden to purchase locally brewed craft beer for just $5 a pint and then venture over to “Pickin’ the Ponies,” a betting workshop that takes place each live race day at 11:30 a.m. The workshop is tailored to the audiences who attend, from novices to the more serious bettors who are looking for tips of the day.
In an effort to attract families, Arizona Downs has also incorporated family fun into the mix of entertainment options available on live race days. Families with young children can be seen walking from the grandstands to the Findlay Toyota Family Fun Zone, where they play corn hole and tetherball, and watch the FIDO 500 mini puppy races. In late July, the Big Chino Farm moved in as the new feature attraction, and giving families an opportunity to interact with mini goats, pigs, ducks, chickens, rabbits and Guinea pigs. Pony rides for children are also offered for a nominal fee.
“Families are searching for new experiences they can share together without draining their wallets,” said McGovern. “We planned our entire summer season with families in mind, and we’re keeping it very affordable. We want parents and children alike who haven’t experienced horse racing to fall in love with the sport.”
In addition to the Family Fun Zone, the racetrack is keeping fans entertained with kids’ stick horse races and themed promotions for Ladies Day, College Day, Labor Day and Back-to-School Day, among others. In June, Father’s Day weekend included the track’s first ever Daddy Derby, a shuttle run that took place on the track, with teams of dads and kids vying for prizes from Prescott Valley Ace Hardware, which sponsored the race. In July, Arizona Downs hosted the crowd-pleasing Wiener Dog Races and attracted fans from across the state.
Arizona Downs has also become a popular destination for parties large and small. The racetrack hosts high school proms, corporate events and private parties, including a recent “Derby Thirty” party that took place to celebrate the milestone birthday of a Phoenix resident.
Arizona Downs’ admission gates open at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and post time for the first race is 1 p.m. General admission is $2. Kids 10 and under are free. To see the complete racing and promotions calendar, purchase tickets or book an event, visit ArizonaDowns.com. QCBN
By Liz Meyers
Liz Meyers is the marketing and sales director at Arizona Downs.
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