USA
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
Europe
UK / IRE
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment kicks off the Championship Meet on Friday, May 5th, and runs through Hambletonian Day, Saturday, August 5th. Live harness racing takes place every Friday and Saturday night with a 6:20pm post time. The Championship Meet features over $8 million in stakes races as well as event-filled weekends.
Every live race night fans can enter Horseplay. Pick up a free horse at the promotions table and throw the horse into the car for a chance to win $100 and an entry into the Friday, August 4th drawing for a brand new 2023 Toyota Camry.
On Saturday, May 6th, come out to the track for an exciting day and night of simulcast & live racing action, including the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs. Fans can enter the $1,000 Derby Hat contest and the $100 win wager promotion. Afternoon dining can be purchased by clicking here.
Also on Saturday May 6th, the Meadowlands hosts the annual Beer Fest. Doors open for VIP ($65) at 4:00 pm with General Admission ($45 in advance or $50 at the door) at 5:00 pm; beer will be poured until 9:00pm. Fest-goers will experience over 60 breweries and cideries including local NJ favorites.
Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
The track is seeking local New Jersey charities interested in having a night at the races for a good cause in the fourth annual Charity Handicapping Contest on Saturday, May 13. The Charity Contest is a free handicapping challenge open to 501C3 organizations. The Contest offers a $15,000 total donation/prize pool, with all ten charities receiving a donation. Interested not-for-profit organizations must apply to participate by emailing Rachel Ryan at raryan@playmeadowlands.com by Thursday, May 4.
Saturday, June 3rd is the return of the popular Wiener Dog Derby. Fans watch dachshunds dash down the track’s stretch in between live harness racing. Dachshunds can register by clicking here.
Thirty thousand dollars is up for grabs at the Meadowlands Racetrack on Saturday, July 22 in the second annual Jackpot Sweepstakes! Beginning at 6:45 pm the Meadowlands will call a contestant’s name every 15 minutes to win a cash prize. The cash prizes get progressively larger as the evening progresses. The final drawing is at 11:30pm and will be for a minimum prize of $5,000. If the cash prize goes unclaimed (winners are given 15 minutes to claim prize), it is rolled into the next drawing. Fans can pre-register by clicking here.
On Saturday June 24th, the vino will flow at Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment for the Meadowlands Wine Festival. Doors open for VIP Admission ($65) at 4:00 pm with General Admission ($45 in advance or $50 at the door) at 5:00 pm and wine is poured until 9:00pm. Fest-goers will experience an evening of great wines from around the world, live-harness racing, music and food. Tickets are available by clicking here.
Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1st is Fan Appreciation Weekend. Fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs, popcorn, soda and $2 Bud/Bud Lights on both nights. Plus following the races fans on Friday night are encouraged to stay for the free fireworks show.
Then on Saturday, July 8th the annual BBQ Extravaganza returns to the track on Meadowlands Pace eliminations night. $2,500 is up for grabs in the Battle with $500 top prizes for the best brisket, chicken, pulled pork and ribs plus the fan favorite.
Saturday, July 15th it’s the Meadowlands signature night-time event – The Meadowlands Pace! On the track, $2.5 million in stakes is up for grabs including the top 3 year old pacers competing for the Meadowlands Pace title. While watching and wagering on the world class harness racing fans can ride the mechanical shark, dance with DJ ALX and grab commemorative t-shirt (while supplies last). Details can be found by clicking here.
Also on Pace night is the annual Meadowlands Racetrack Burger Battle The contest offers a $1,500 grand prize with $1,000 for 2nd place, $500 for third and a $500 prize for the best burger patty. This free event runs from 5-11 pm and fans are encouraged to come out and taste some of the best local burgers.
The always popular Seafood Festival is scheduled for Saturday, July 29th. There will be a raw bar in the Backyard and a variety of food trucks serving up some of the best seafood in the Garden State including fried clams, fish tacos, crab fries, lobster rolls and much more!
The race meet wraps up on Saturday, August 5th with the greatest day in harness racing – $1 million Hambletonian Day. Over $3.5 million is on the line as the top trotters and pacers compete to be crowned champions. Doors open at 10 am with first race at 12 noon. Admission is $5 and includes a commemorative Hambo baseball cap for adults and children. In addition to great harness racing, fans can enjoy carnival rides and games, food trucks, pony rides, live music and much more. Admission and table seating can be purchased by clicking here.
For a complete list of nightly events, promotions and updated racing calendar please visit here. Dining reservations for the Pink buffet can be made by calling 201-The-BigM (201-843-2446) or by visiting here.
Looking to book a corporate event or private party? Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment has unlimited event possibilities – from a rooftop terrace with skyline views, to Trackside to private Skybox Suites. Book a Party today by emailing alokshin@playmeadowlands.com.
From The Meadowlands
