Lone Star Park
Just minutes from downtown Dallas, in the heart of Grand Prairie, lies a major-league sports entertainment destination that attracts over 700,000 visitors annually. Lone Star Park is Texas’ premier horse racing venue, featuring a stunning seven-level glass-enclosed Grandstand and a year-round simulcast facility. Whether you are a racing enthusiast, a family looking for a unique day out, or a couple seeking a sophisticated dining experience, this guide provides everything you need to know for an unforgettable visit.
Key Details at a Glance:
-
Address: 1000 Lone Star Parkway, Grand Prairie, TX 75050
-
Phone: (972) 263-PONY (7669)
-
Official Website: https://www.lonestarpark.com
-
Opened: 1997
Lone Star Park opened its doors in 1997 and quickly established itself as a premier racing destination, hosting the prestigious Breeders’ Cup in 2004. The facility offers two exciting racing seasons annually: a Thoroughbred season (typically spring/summer) and a Quarter Horse season (usually fall).
The Grandstand is a seven-level glass-enclosed structure featuring the 1,200-seat Silks Dining Room and 48 luxurious Penthouse Suites, all overlooking the racetrack. Adjacent to the Grandstand is the Bar & Book, a 36,000-square-foot world-class Las Vegas-style Racebook and simulcast facility where guests can wager on horse racing from around the world 7-days a week, year-round.
Fun Facts about the Facility:
-
The barn area consists of 32 barns with accommodations for up to 1,600 horses
-
The racetrack features a one-mile dirt oval and a 7/8-mile turf course
-
The dirt track is 90-feet wide with six-degree banking on the turns
Hours & Ticket Information
Operating Hours
Bar & Book: Open year-round, 7 days a week.
Live Racing (Thoroughbred Season):
| Day | Gates Open | First Race |
|---|---|---|
| Thursdays & Fridays | 5:00 PM | 6:35 PM |
| Saturdays & Sundays | 12:00 PM | 1:35 PM |
| Memorial Day | 12:00 PM | 1:35 PM |
| Triple Crown Days | 10:30 AM | 1:35 PM |
Live Racing (Quarter Horse Season):
-
Gates open at 5:00 PM with a first race post time of 6:05 PM daily.
Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Admission (Live Racing) | $10 | $15 on Kentucky Derby Day |
| Bar & Book Admission | Free | Year-round entry |
| Reserved Seating | $10 – $100 | Depends on section and event |
| Silks Dining Room | $25 adults / $10 kids | Includes buffet |
| Parking – General | Free | Gates 2 & 3 |
| Parking – Preferred | $10 – $20 | Gate 4 |
| Parking – Valet | $25 – $35 | Gate 5 |
Note: All parking is $20 on July 3 & 4 for the Lone Stars & Stripes Fireworks Celebration, and valet is unavailable.
Activities for Adults & Children: A Day at the Races
👨🖥️ For Adults: Racing, Wagering & Sophisticated Dining
-
Live Horse Racing: The heart of the Lone Star Park experience. Watch Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses thunder down the track. The facility hosted the Breeders’ Cup in 2004, demonstrating its world-class caliber.
-
Bar & Book: The 36,000-square-foot Las Vegas-style Racebook features wagering on horse races from around the world, 7-days a week, year-round.
-
Silks Dining Room: A 1,200-seat dining venue overlooking the track. The buffet offers an unlimited family-style experience with a variety of dishes, including fried chicken, BBQ brisket, grilled salmon, and catfish.
-
Concerts & Special Events: Lone Star Park hosts great concerts, weddings, and private events throughout the year.
-
Penthouse Suites: For the ultimate VIP experience, rent one of 48 luxurious suites overlooking the finish line.
👧 For Children & Families: Fun for All Ages
-
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Lone Star Park is a popular spot for families. The park features live music, food vendors, and a welcoming environment for children and even dogs.
-
Special Promotional Days: Events like Dollar Day feature $1 hot dogs and incredible deals, making it an affordable family outing.
-
Exotic Animal Days: On select days, the park features special events with food vendors and exciting horse races featuring zebras and camels.
-
Viewing Options for Kids: Families recommend getting seats under an awning or terraced viewing areas to protect younger children from the Texas heat.
-
Kid-Friendly Dining: The Silks Dining buffet offers a kids’ menu with hamburgers, fried catfish, chicken nuggets, or a fried drumstick for $10.
Reviewer Tip: Some visitors note that horse racing can be “very boring to children,” and they may end up “tired, cranky and disturbing to other patrons.” For families with very young children, consider attending shorter events or special family-friendly days.
Silks Dining Menu Highlights
The Silks Dining buffet offers an unlimited family-style experience for $25 per adult and $10 for kids 12 and under.
| Course | Options |
|---|---|
| First Course | Salad with Derby Vinaigrette, Biscuits & Rolls |
| Main Course (1 choice) | Half Fried Chicken, 12oz Smoked BBQ Brisket, Grilled Salmon, Half Slab Pork Ribs, Fried Catfish, Cheeseburger & Fries |
| Sides | Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Buttered Corn, Green Beans, Cream Gravy |
| Dessert | Red Velvet Cake, Banana Pudding, Peach Cobbler, Pecan Pie |
Parking & Getting Here
Directions
Lone Star Park is located on Beltline Road, just ½ mile north of I-30 in Grand Prairie.
-
From I-30: Exit Belt Line Road Northbound. Proceed 1/4 mile and turn right on Lone Star Parkway.
-
From I-35: Follow signs to Hwy 183 Westbound. Exit Belt Line Road and proceed south 5 miles.
Parking Options
| Parking Type | Gate | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| General Parking | Gate 2/3 | Free |
| Preferred Parking | Gate 4 | $10 – $20 |
| Valet Parking | Gate 5 | $25 – $35 |
Note: All parking is $20 on July 3 & 4 for the Lone Stars & Stripes Fireworks Celebration.
Public Transportation
-
DART: The park is accessible via DART bus routes that connect to the Grand Prairie area. Check the DART website for the most current routes and schedules.
Accessibility
-
Wheelchair Access: The facility is accessible to guests with mobility limitations.
-
Service Animals: Are welcome.
-
Parking: Designated accessible parking is available close to the main entrances.
Tips for Your Visit
-
Arrive Early for Good Seats: Especially for popular events like Dollar Day or Kentucky Derby Day, the park fills up quickly.
-
Check the Weather: Texas summers are hot. Consider booking seats in the air-conditioned Silks Dining Room or boxes on the second level.
-
Bring Sun Protection: If you opt for general admission or outdoor seating, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.
-
Know When to Bet: For first-timers, self-service wagering machines are very user-friendly.
-
Plan Fireworks Parking: For the July 3 & 4 Lone Stars & Stripes Fireworks Festival, parking fees change to a flat $20, and valet is unavailable.
-
Silks Dining Reservations: For a special experience, book a table in the Silks Dining Room, which offers premium views and a full buffet.
Stay Connected:
Follow Lone Star Park for the latest racing schedules, ticket offers, and special event announcements.
-
Official Website: https://www.lonestarpark.com
-
Facebook: Lone Star Park
-
Twitter/X: @LoneStarPark
-
Instagram: @lonestarparktx
If you have any experience with this place, please share it with us in the comments below!