Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie has scheduled its 10th annual National Anthem auditions for Tuesday, February 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. (weather permitting). With a strong showing, top soloists, duos, choirs, instrumentalists and groups will have a chance to sing the National Anthem during one of Lone Star Park's 98 live racing dates in 2006.

Lone Star Park will celebrate its 10th Spring Thoroughbred Season over 66 dates from April 13 through July 23. Also, the 32-date Fall Meeting of Champions for American Quarter Horses is scheduled for October 6 through December 2.

The auditions will be held outdoors in the winner's circle and each performer will be shown and recorded on the racetrack's JumboTron. Hopefuls will have two minutes to perform their version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" - a cappella for vocalists - and will be judged by Lone Star Park officials.

Walkups are welcome, but performers are encouraged to reserve an appointment by calling Lone Star Park at (972) 263-RACE.

"We have 98 live racing dates in 2006, therefore we have up to 98 spots available," said Kristen Foster, Lone Star Park Director of Marketing and one of the judges. "If the past is any indication, well over 100 people will audition and approximately one-third will make the cut to perform during the season before a large crowd. If they're really good, we'll use them multiple times and position them on 'big event' days."

Foster offers three helpful hints for aspiring performers: "Be sure to have the lyrics memorized, keep it under two minutes and don't get thrown off by the sound delay from the public address system."

Vocalists and musicians chosen to sing the National Anthem during the season will be notified with a telephone call and a written letter prior to the start of the season (usually two-to-three weeks later). Each person selected to perform will receive box seats for four to that day's racing program.

Lone Star Park is located one half-mile north of Interstate 30 off Belt Line Road at 1000 Lone Star Parkway in Grand Prairie - 12 miles west of Dallas and 20 miles east of Fort Worth.