Turfway Park will ring in 2017 with its much-anticipated New Year’s Eve party featuring live Thoroughbred racing, a free concert by Doghouse and celebration options for every budget.
Live racing gets the party started, with the first of nine races set to go at 6:15 p.m. Doghouse, a Northern Kentucky-based classic rock cover band and fan favorite, will take the Willis Music Stage about 10 p.m. and continue the party to 1 a.m.
“Turfway Park knows how to throw a party,” said General Manager Chip Bach. “New Year’s Eve is always one of our biggest and best, and in this area you can’t add the excitement of live horse racing anywhere but here. We also offer a range of pricing options, including free, so everyone can join us.”
Admission to the races and to the concert is free, and concession stands and cash bars will be open on the first, second and third floors. General parking also is free; valet parking is available.
For those who prefer reservations, Turfway offers seating in the Homestretch restaurant and bar, trackside on the first floor, and the Racing Club, with its panoramic view from the fifth floor. In both locations the reservation includes buffet dining from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; unlimited beer, call drinks and soft drinks; a champagne toast; and party favors. Both locations also feature multiple wall-mounted flat screens showing live and simulcast racing action.
Reservations in the Homestretch are $85 and $95 per seat; the latter includes a TV monitor at the table. Reservations in the Racing Club are $85 per seat.
Reservations in the Homestretch and Racing Club also include admission to the exclusive Club Inferno on the third floor mezzanine. Offering a panoramic view of the track and overlooking the Willis Music Stage, Club Inferno will be open from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Reservations to Club Inferno also are available separately. The $65 ticket includes hot appetizers; unlimited beer, call drinks and soft drinks; a champagne toast; and party favors. A $25 designated driver ticket to Club Inferno excludes alcoholic beverages but includes unlimited soft drinks and bottled water.
Both dining areas, Club Inferno, the grandstand above the stage and the stage area are all smoke-free. Smoking is permitted only in designated areas of the first and second floors.
Reservations may be made by calling (859) 371-0200 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Partygoers new to racing can pick up Turfway’s free Guide to Racing at the program booth on the first floor.
The Hilton Cincinnati Airport, a Turfway preferred hotel partner, is offering a special $89 rate for overnight lodging that includes shuttle service to and from the racetrack and a complimentary breakfast for two on New Year’s Day. The Hilton package is available until all rooms in the block are reserved or Dec. 23, whichever comes first. Reservations may be made online here.
Live racing continues on New Year’s Day with a special post time of 1:10 p.m. It is the start of Turfway’s winter/spring meet that runs through April 1.