The New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, Home of the Louisiana Derby, offers something old and new for attendees with its Starlight Racing series.
Starlight Racing began roughly eight years ago as a biweekly event. Now, it has evolved to one Friday night a month. Starlight Racing differs from the Fair Grounds’ regular thoroughbred racing season, offering racegoers a different night out.
Group sales manager Mary Cay Kern said the Fair Grounds created Starlight Racing to increase repeat business and attract the interest of other market demographics — young upcoming professionals, in particular.
“The goal with it is to have the groups of the people that come, return,” she said.
The Fair Grounds offers entertainment to accompany the races, including a fourth floor Clubhouse and trackside Miller Time Beer Garden tent. The Clubhouse hosts a different live band each month, while the Miller tent houses a disk jockey, a fluorescent light show and go-go dancers.
The Clubhouse includes a dining room, and the trackside tent is accompanied by several food trucks. Those over 21 can try their luck at one of the Fair Grounds’ 600 slot machines, or bet on the races.
Kern said Starlight Racing has been a success since its debut. The lively atmosphere and hype surrounding Starlight Racing bring in first-time racegoers and seasoned returners, and the event is convenient, inexpensive and enjoyable for college students, Kern said.
Although the tradition and prestige of the horse races have evolved throughout history, it is still very much a social event and remains a place to see and be seen.
“Horse racing is a dying occupation,” Kern said. “[Starlight Racing is] getting people back out here and seeing what’s going on, and it’s fun for people of all ages.”
As the third-oldest operating horse track in the country, New Orleans tradition was for people to attend the races with their parents and grandparents. Since its formation in 1852, the Fair Grounds have evolved from a target demographic of older, wealthy men to a diverse crowd of spectators.
“We want to keep that tradition alive and also go to all demographics,” she said. “Everybody can be there.”
The Fair Grounds cater to large groups and parties and have ties to the University. LSU’s Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity holds its annual “Day at the Races” event at the Fair Grounds, and the race track also hosts its yearly College Night.
General admission for Starlight Racing is $5 and admission to the Clubhouse or Miller Time Beer Garden is an additional $5. The Fair Grounds has free parking for all events.
The next Starlight Racing event of the 2015-2016 season is March 11.

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Greta Jines

Those in attendance enjoy live music by The Mixed Nuts in the Clubhouse Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, at Starlight Racing at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans.