2025-2026 Promotions
We’re Taking Excitement to a Whole New Level!
Our promotions are designed to make your time at the track an exhilarating experience you won't want to miss. Whether you're a seasoned racing enthusiast or a first-time visitor, we've got something special in store for you. Join us as we celebrate the thrill of horse racing with incredible events, fantastic giveaways, and a vibrant atmosphere that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Mark your calendars and get ready to be part of the action at Tampa Bay Downs!
Opening Day
100th Anniversary!
As we kick off our 100th anniversary season, top stables, trainers, and jockeys will return to our famous track. Which we love for its immaculate turf course, swaying palm trees, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Wednesdays FREE Admission!
Gates open at 11:00am.
10 Days of Festivus Online Handicapping Contest Begins
Test your skills against the best handicappers in the nation! The competition begins December 5th and will run through December 24th. The winner receives a $1,000 prize!
Registration begins November 30, 2025.
Register Here 10 Days of Festivus Contest Rules
Inaugural & Sandpiper Stakes
2-year-old Thoroughbreds compete for stakes riches, with colts and geldings vying in the $125,000 Inaugural Stakes and fillies dueling in the $125,000 Sandpiper Stakes.
Gates open at 11:00am.
It's Calendar Giveaway Day!
Tampa Bay Downs presents the 2026 edition of its free commemorative calendar to the first 5,000 patrons, with paid admission!
Gates open at 11:00am.
Skyway Festival Day!
The Pasco, The Gasparilla, and the Wayward Lass Stakes highlight the afternoon.
Gates open at 11:00am.
Live It Up Challenge
Free of charge! The online competition is back with daily Challenge Races, lifelines, and cash prizes! Test your skills against the best handicappers in the nation! The competition begins January 17, 2026.
Gates open at 11:00am.
Register Here Live It Up Challenge Contest Rules
Cap Giveaway Day
Come on down to receive a free Tampa Bay Downs cap with your paid admission (while supplies last).
Jockeys will be on hand to sign autographs as well!
Gates open at 11:00am.
Mouse’s Kids & Family Days
Bring your family to Thoroughbred racing! Included with your fun-filled day of the on-track action, you will also have the chance to meet track mascot Mouse the Miniature Horse! There will also be pony rides, bounce houses, and a variety of games and special activities plus Buzzy’s Food Truck!
Gates open at 11:00am.
Turf Champions Day
The Endeavor Stakes and the Tampa Bay Stakes will test your skills against the best turf jockeys and horses in the nation!
Gates open at 11:00am.
Festival Preview Day 46
This event will be highlighted by the $250,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes, a “Road to the Kentucky Derby” Points Race. The card includes the $150,000 Suncoast Stakes for 3-year-old fillies – a “Road to the Kentucky Oaks” points race – and the Pelican and Minaret for sprinters.
Gates open at 11:00am.
Racing Legends & Hall of Famers Autographs Benefitting the PDJF
Racing legends and Hall of Famers will be on hand for autographs to benefit the PDJF. Meet Julie Krone, Ramon Dominguez, Mike Manganello and others that have all made their mark at the Oldsmar oval. Located on the first floor of the Grandstand.
Gates open at 11:00am.
Purchase your tickets from the Jockeys and Jeans website here:
Buy Tickets
Turf Dash/Lightning Stakes
The Jockeys and Jean celebration co-inside with the 100th Anniversary kick-off – meet current and future Hall of Famers will be on hand for autographs and competing on the day’s card that includes the Turf Sprint Showcase featuring the $100,000 Turf Dash and the $100,00 Lightning City Stakes.
Gates open at 11:00am.
100 Years in the Community
Come out to experience other area businesses also celebrating the 100 years – prizes and giveaways will be offered throughout the day!
Gates open at 11:00am.
High Rollers Handicapping Contest
Do you have the steel and the know-how to compete? Bettors put up $1,000 to chase a $20,000 first prize (based on 100 players), other cash awards, and seats for the top two finishers at either the 2026 or 2027 National Thoroughbred Racing Association National Handicapping Championship in Las Vegas, plus accommodations! The event will be the Last Chance/First Opportunity with Tour Points to win two seats for the 2026 or 2027 NTRA NHC in Las Vegas. The most recent NHC offered prize money and awards totaling more than $3.5 million!
Please note if you intend to sign up at the track facility on Friday, February 20th, you must sign up by 11:00 am and pay cash.
Gates open at 11:00am.
Buy Tickets High Rollers Handicapping Contest Rules
Bourbon & BBQ
Devotees of some of life's finer things can enjoy a barbecue buffet, fine bourbon tasting, and hand-rolled cigars. The event will be under the Trackside Picnic Pavilion Tent from noon to 4:00 p.m
Gates open at 11:00am.
$150 per person
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Tampa Bay Downs Festival Day 46
The biggest racing day of the season, with $1-million in stakes purses alone, is highlighted by the 46th edition of the Grade III, $400,000 Tampa Bay Derby for 3-year-old Triple Crown candidate! Other showcase events include the Grade II, $225,000 Hillsborough Stakes, and the Grade III, $200,000 Florida Oaks, both on the turf; the Grade III, $125,000 Michelob Ultra Challenger Stakes; and the $125,000 Columbia Stakes.
This day also includes a Mystery Mutuel Voucher with a $5 Guaranteed Minimum & You Could Win Up to $1000.00!*
Gates open at 10:00am. Post Time: 12:00 noon.
*With paid admission.
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Tacos & Tequila
The event will be under the Trackside Picnic Pavilion Tent from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Gates open at 11:00am.
$100 per person
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Seafood Fest
What better place than Tampa Bay Downs to savor delicious mouth-watering delights?
The event will be under the Trackside Picnic Pavilion Tent from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Gates open at 11:00am.
$125 per person
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Party By The Paddock
College students with school IDs are invited with free admission to participate in the excitement of Thoroughbred racing in the Winner's Terrace while enjoying complimentary food sampling, yard games, and taking part in a raffle! The event is designed to introduce new fans to the sport.
*Students 21 and older desiring beer or alcohol must show a valid state ID.
Gates open at 11:00am.
Florida Cup Day
Who doesn't love a day spent with horses, trainers, and breeders from your home state?! Come on down to enjoy six $110,000 Florida-bred stakes races highlighting the afternoon's card!
Gates open at 11:00am.
Kentucky Derby Day 2026
Louisville may have the race, but we have one heck of a party! Tampa Bay Downs offers an exciting live racing card, followed by the simulcast of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve. There will also be Mint juleps sold here in the official souvenir Derby glass!
Ages 17 & Under FREE!
Gates open at 10:00 am. Post Time 12:00 noon.
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Fan Appreciation Day
FREE admission, reduced price beer, hot dogs and soda to celebrate closing day of the 2025-26 racing season!
Gates open at 11:00am.
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