Santa Anita Kicks Off Racing Season with New Events And Hollywood Ties

New HBO series ‘Luck’ brings new features to the historic racetrack.

Santa Anita Park, “The Great Race Place”, will hold true to its name this season with a host of new events and big changes in the commencement of its annual meet, Monday, Dec. 26. Festivals, a new Kids’ Zone and the opening of a lounge inspired by HBO’s hit new show, “Luck” will add to a full calendar of events complementing world-class Thoroughbred racing.
The Hollywood spotlight has illuminated Santa Anita Park with the release of HBO’s new series, “Luck.” January 28 will mark the debut of a new Luck Lounge, complete with a ribbon cutting by stars from the show, a Luck signature cocktail and a contest to win a VIP “Luck” tour. January 28 is also Sunshine Millions Day featuring California’s best – from Thoroughbreds to food trucks. Five stakes races will be run while a food truck and craft beer festival take place in the Infield.
The following holidays, events and openings will delight Santa Anita Park guests looking for outdoor excitement and affordable fun in the coming months:
” Walk of Fame Unveiling, Sunday, January 15 – Santa Anita will debut its new Walk of Fame featuring the handprints and signatures of Southern California’s racing stars.
” Food Truck Festivals, January 28, March 3 and 31 – A different kind of horsepower will roll into the Infield and serve up some delicious gourmet eats to racetrack goers. New this year, festivals will be themed and smaller in size for a more intimate experience.
” Grand opening of Sirona’s Pizza Kitchen, Saturday, February 11 – Catch famous athletes at the opening of the new gourmet pizza joint adjacent to Sirona’s Sports Bar.
” Mardi Gras and Cajun Festival, Sunday, February 19 – Celebrate Fat Tuesday early with the all new Cajun Festival featuring the Ragin’ Cajun food truck and Mardi Gras party in the Infield.
” Big Caps Day, Saturday, March 3 – Racing fans will don their haute-est hats in true Kentucky Derby-fashion for the new Fascinators and Fedoras contest.
” Kids’ Zone Grand Opening, Sunday, March 4 – Formerly family fun days, the Infield is taking on new activities this season to entertain kids of all ages.
” Latin Music Festivals Sunday, March 11 and April 1 – The all-new Latin Music festivals will decorate the Infield with popular music, good food and live entertainment.
” St. Patrick’s Day, Saturday, March 17 – All attendees are entered into the $1 Million St. Patrick’s Day Pitch. One randomly selected fan will get the chance to toss a $1 Million ringer.
” Tokyo City Cup, Saturday, March 24 – Japanese athletes and live entertainment will take over Santa Anita in honor of the Tokyo City Cup.
” Uncorked Wine Festival, Sunday, March 25 – The fourth annual Uncorked Wine Festival will showcase local wines and restaurants in the Paddock Gardens. A $60 ticket buys race-goers all they can eat and drink.
” Classic and Vintage Car Show, Sunday, March 25 – Cruise the Infield to check out classic and vintage cars throughout the race day.
” Walk of Fame installation featuring Women of Santa Anita, Sunday, April 1 – Women of Santa Anita will be honored and added to the Santa Anita Walk of Fame.
” $1 Million Santa Anita Derby Day, Saturday, April 7 – Catch Kentucky Derby-candidates in Santa Anita’s signature race, considered the most important West Coast stepping-stone to the Kentucky Derby.
” Easter, Sunday, April 8 – Santa Anita is kicking off the spring holiday with the largest Easter egg hunt in the San Gabriel Valley.
” On Track to Beat Cancer, Sunday, April 22 – Benefitting City of Hope, Santa Anita will support the fight against cancer with a quarter-mile walk around the famous track after the final race on Closing Day.
Race-goers can pick up free Clubhouse admission to Santa Anita by visiting the Cal Racing Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/CalHorseRacing.

More from Arcadia Weekly