Sam Houston Race Park celebrates the return of live American Quarter Horse racing with exciting grand opening weekend events featuring advanced wagering opportunities for the Kentucky Derby races on Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1. The Park will welcome back the Quarter Horses on Friday, April 30th with 50 Cent Beer Night, presented by Houston Press, featuring live racing action and 50 cent draft beer from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The fun continues on Saturday, May 1st as The Park host live racing events, featuring a special 1:00 p.m. post time, in conjunction with the simulcast of the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby, presented by Gallery Furniture, along with the 2010 Verizon Wireless Summer Concert Series on the Bud Light Stage featuring The Marshall Tucker Band and Molly Hatchet.

Gates will open at 9:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday offering race fans advance drive-up wagering on the Kentucky Derby races.

FRIDAY, APRIL 30th:

Opening weekend begins with live racing action starting and a 10-race card with post time at 7:00 p.m. Join us for 50 Cent Draft Beer Night, presented by Houston Press, featuring 50 cent draft beer specials from 5:30 to 11:00 p.m. The first 2,000 fans through live racing gates on Friday night will receive a FREE Coca-Cola magnetic racing and concert schedule.

SATURDAY, MAY 1st:

Join us for the most exciting two minutes in sports as Gallery Furniture presents a live simulcast of the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs. The Park celebrates the tradition and history of the Derby with signature Mint Juleps in commemorative Kentucky Derby glasses, a Derby-themed Hat Contest, sponsored by Gallery Furniture, between-race giveaways and more! Registration for the hat contest will take place on-site beginning at 12:00 p.m., and judging begins at 3:00 p.m. The Park will also hold live racing events featuring a 10-race card beginning at 1:00 p.m. Gates will open at 9:00 a.m., and first post from Churchill Downs will be at 9:30 a.m.

Stick around after all the horse racing action for the Verizon Wireless Summer Concert Series on the Bud Light stage, featuring performances from classic rock bands The Marshall Tucker Band and Molly Hatchet. General admission tickets start at $15 in advance and are available at www.theshowgrounds.com.

The Park offers a variety of ticket packages to suite any budget! The $19 Party Pack includes: (1) live racing admission ticket, (1) live racing program, (1) $2 wagering coupon, (1) burger basket and (2) small sodas or beers.

Standalone concert tickets for The Marshall Tucker Band, Molly Hatchet and other Saturday shows are $15 in advance with children 12 and under FREE; concert patrons are admitted to The Park for live racing events the day of the show for FREE.

This weekend only offers the $69 Rockin’ Roses VIP Package which includes (1) VIP concert ticket & live racing admission, (1) Winner’s Circle Restaurant buffet (including tax, tip & gratuity), (1) live racing program, (1) $2 wagering coupon, and (1) early concert entry pass. Limited tickets available; first come, first served.

General admission to The Park starts at $6 for adults; $4 for senior citizens and children 12 and under get in FREE everyday of the summer. Season tickets are also available. Parking is FREE.