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Turf Paradise to celebrate 64 years in Phoenix

Posted 12/26/19

Turf Paradise is celebrating 64 sensational seasons as Arizona’s first sports franchise with an anniversary party.

The event is 11 a.m. Saturday Jan. 11.

Fans will get free long-sleeve …

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Turf Paradise to celebrate 64 years in Phoenix

Posted

Turf Paradise is celebrating 64 sensational seasons as Arizona’s first sports franchise with an anniversary party, according to a release.

The event is 11 a.m. Saturday Jan. 11.

Fans will get free long-sleeve t-shirts with a $3 paid admission while supplies last.

The featured race is the $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimons Mile in addition to a full card of live local horseracing. The Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile is named in honor of the late Phoenix Suns coach who was an avid racing fan and a regular at the track.

There will also be a mandatory payout of the Grand Canyon Pick Six jackpot.

The day includes $3 beer, live music, a family fun park, and free birthday cake. New this year will be a display of vintage cars featuring cars from the mid 50’s when Turf Paradise first opened its doors. Gates open at 11am. Grandstand admission is $3 and general parking is free.

When Turf Paradise opened its doors at 19th Avenue and Bell Road, Heartbreak Hotel was the number one song, the average price of a home was $17,000 dollars, and Ernest McFarland was the Governor of Arizona, a release states. Dirt roads surrounded Turf Paradise as it was on the outskirts of Phoenix. Over the decades, north Phoenix has grown up and around the iconic track.

“For 64 years Turf Paradise has been providing race fans the excitement of live horseracing and affordable family fun," Turf Paradise General Manager Vince Francia stated in a release.

The season also includes:

  • $2 Day MLK Day January 20
  • Super Saturday February 8
  • $2 Presidents’ Day February 17
  • Wine, Women, and Horses Ticketed Charity Event February 29
  • Wiener Dog Races March 7
  • Camel Ostrich and Zebra Racing April 4
  • Kentucky Derby Party May 2