Sam Houston Race Park will host a week-long "Racing Around Houston" spirit week celebrating the return of live racing and live music events at The Park. The inaugural event will take place June 18-25, 2008.

With the return of live racing and live music, The Showgrounds will offer a $9 for 9 days concert ticket to the Verizon Wireless Post-Race Concert Series. Guests can purchase lawn seating for all Friday and Saturday night concerts at The Showgrounds, which includes admission to live racing events, for just $9 between June 18 through 26 as part of the "Racing Around Houston" celebration. The special ticket price will also offer a $19 reserved seat for all shows. The special includes tickets to major country concerts such as: Robert Earl Keen, John Michael Montgomery, Cory Morrow, Hayes Carll, Randy Travis, Clay Walker, Cross Canadian Ragweed and more! For a complete list of eligible shows, visit www.theshowgrounds.com.

"Racing Around Houston" activities include appearances from Sam Houston Race Park mascot, Sam the Horse and an ambassador jockey. The pair will make appearances at the following locations:

Thursday, June 19

Kemah Boardwalk "Rock the Dock" with KHPT 106.9 FM The Point 6-8 p.m.

Friday, June 20

Spring Chrysler Jeep Dodge Dealership, 21027 I-45 North, Spring from 5-7 p.m.

Saturday, June 21

Park Announcer Michael Chamberlain in-studio with ESPN 97.5 The Ticket at 9 a.m.

16th Annual New Home & Remodeling Show, Reliant Center, Hall D from 12-2 p.m.

KKRW 93.7 The Arrow @ American Dream Cycles, 25507 I-45 North, The Woodlands from 1-3 p.m.

KHPT 106.9 FM, The Point The Woodlands Pavilion for True Colors Concert from 5-7 p.m.

Sunday, June 22

16th Annual New Home & Remodeling Show, Reliant Center, Hall D from 12-2 p.m.

Monday, June 23

104 KRBE, Spec's 1640 Mason Road from 6-7 p.m.

Tuesday, June 24

104 KRBE, Spec's Highway 249 @ Spring Cypress from 6-7 p.m.

SportsRadio 610 "Rack Your Balls" Pool Tournament Sponsored by Tecate Light, Slick Willie's Pool Hall, 59 & Wesleyan from 8-10 p.m.

Wednesday, June 25

KRIV Fox Channel 26 Morning News, Live with Lanny Griffith from 6-9 a.m.

The 2008 American Quarter Horse Meet returns to The Park beginning Thursday, June 26, 2008. The meet will feature top Quarter
Horses, riders, trainers and owners competing for large purses in a series of races throughout the weekend. As part of the opening weekend celebration, The Park will host "Guys & Gals Night Out" on Thursday, June 26 and Bud Day at The Park which includes a Koozie giveaway courtesy of Budweiser for the first 2,500 guests through the gate on Saturday, June 28.

In addition to the return of live racing at The Park, live music at The Showgrounds (www.theshowgrounds.com) will kick-off the 2008 Verizon Wireless Concert Series during opening weekend with concerts from country stars Robert Earl Keen on Friday, June 27 and John Michael Montgomery on Saturday, June 28. Robert Earl Keen will also perform the National Anthem prior to live racing on Friday, June 27. Concert events will take place on the infield area on the track immediately following the final race.