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Lone Star Park readies spring racing season, novelty races and charitable grants to local nonprofits
Summary
Lone Star Park’s spring thoroughbred season will open in April and run mainly on weekends through July, with special novelty races and community events announced by the park’s marketing manager.
Lone Star Park will begin its spring thoroughbred racing season in April and will operate primarily on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through July, Rodney Nelson, marketing manager at Lone Star Park, said on the City of Grand Prairie program "It’s Happening in Grand Prairie." Special-event highlights include novelty or “extreme” races featuring camels, ostriches and zebras on the weekend of April 26–27, Nelson said, and the track will host opening-night entertainment including an Elvis impersonator.
Nelson said the track will stage promotional events such as a “dollar day” (discounted admission and concessions) on a Sunday in April and that opening night will include giveaways for early arrivals. He described Silks, the track’s dining room, as an upgraded, all‑inclusive buffet option that requires tickets and reservations.
Lone Star Park’s charitable arm, the Lone Star Park Charitable Foundation, awarded more than $60,000 in grants this year and, according to Nelson, the foundation has given about $1,400,000 in grants to local charities since it was established. Nelson said the track partners with local nonprofits — for example, the Grand Prairie Paws shelter participates in on-site dog events and adoption activities.
Nelson recommended visitors consult the racetrack website for the official racing calendar and ticketing information: lonestarpark.com. He emphasized that some dates deviate from the standard Friday–Sunday schedule (for example Memorial Day and July fireworks events) and asked attendees to check the calendar before planning a visit.
“Find one that works for you and come on out and see us,” Nelson said. The interview included mentions of staff and operations leaders such as Merlinda Gonzalez (vice president of operations) and Soleil Nasr (food and beverage director).
