The featured race is the $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimons Mile in addition to a full card of live local horseracing. The Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile is named in honor of the late Phoenix Suns coach who was an avid racing fan and a regular at the track. There will also be a mandatory payout of the Grand Canyon Pick Six jackpot.
The day includes $3 beer, live music, a family fun park, and free birthday cake. New this year will be a display of vintage cars featuring cars from the mid 50’s when Turf Paradise first opened its doors.
Gates open at 11am. Grandstand admission is $3 and general parking is free.
When Turf Paradise opened its doors at 19th Ave. and Bell, Heartbreak Hotel was the number one song, the average price of a home was $17,000 dollars, and Ernest McFarland was the Governor of Arizona. Dirt roads surrounded Turf Paradise as it was on the outskirts of Phoenix. Over the decades north Phoenix has grown up and around the iconic track.
Turf Paradise General Manager Vince Francia said, “For 64 years Turf Paradise has been providing race fans the excitement of live horseracing and affordable family fun.”
The season also includes:
Fiesta Sundays featuring Mexican food and music the last Sunday of every month.
$2 Day MLK Day January 20th
Super Saturday February 8th
$2 Presidents’ Day February 17th
Wine, Women, and Horses Ticketed Charity Event February 29th
Wiener Dog Races March 7th
Camel Ostrich and Zebra Racing April 4th
Kentucky Derby Party May 2nd
Who: Turf Paradise
What: 64th Anniversary Party
When: Saturday, January 11. Gates open at 11a.m.
Where: Turf Paradise 1501 West Bell Road
Why: To celebrate 64 seasons of horseracing in Arizona
How Much: Grandstand admission is just $3
More Info: Call (602) 942-1101/ Online www.turfparadise.com