Sam Houston Race Park will host Opening Weekend of American Quarter Horse Meeting, featuring the return of live racing, live music and more, beginning Thursday, June 26. The weekend includes a variety of special ticket packages, promotions and giveaways for guests to celebrate the return of racing to Houston.

As part of the opening weekend, The Park will host “Guys Night Out” on Thursday, June 26, and continuing every Thursday night through September, featuring a special ticket price of $19 per person, which includes admission, racing program, tip sheet, food entrée, cold beverage and a $2 wagering coupon. The weekend will also feature Bud Day at The Park on Saturday, June 28, which includes a special Sam Houston Race Park/Bud Light koozie giveaway, courtesy of Budweiser, for the first 2,500 guests through the gate.

In addition to the return of live racing at The Park, live music at The Showgrounds (www.theshowgrounds.com) will continue with opening weekend country music concerts from country stars Robert Earl Keen on Friday, June 27 and John Michael Montgomery with Django Walker on Saturday, June 28. Concert events will take place on the infield area on the track immediately following the final race.

The Park will host additional special racing, entertainment and promotional events in July including Dollars Days (July 3) where everything from parking, admission and programs to food and drinks will be $1 each and the annual July 4th Extravaganza featuring live racing, family activities, live music and one of the largest fireworks displays in Houston.

The Park will also be home to additional live music events and festivals during the July including Willie Nelson’s Family Picnic (July 5), Vans Warped Tour (July 6), Tony Hawk’s Boom Boom HuckJam extreme sporting exhibition (July 20), the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Tour (July 27) and the Unity Tour featuring 311 & Snoop Dogg (July 30).

Following is a schedule for opening weekend:

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Guys & Gals Night Out

4:30 p.m. Gates Open

6:00 p.m. American Quarter Horse Racing Begins

6:30 p.m. Between Race Promotions

Friday, June 27, 2008

4:30 p.m. Gates Open

4:45 p.m. Robert Earl Keen Singing the National Anthem

6:00 p.m. American Quarter Horse Racing Begins

6:30 p.m. Between Race Promotions

10:00 p.m. Robert Earl Keen Concert

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Bud Day at The Park

3:30 p.m. Gates Open

Budweiser Premium Item Giveaway for first 2,500 guests

5:00 p.m. American Quarter Horse Racing Begins

5:30 p.m. Between Race Promotions

6:00 p.m. K-HITS 107.5 FM Remote

ESPN 97.5 FM The Ticket Remote with Fred Faour

9:00 p.m. John Michael Montgomery w/Django Walker Concert

TICKETS: Winner’s Circle package $35 per person and includes admission, program, tip sheet, Grande Buffet and reserved seating for the day’s festivities.

Reserved Club Seat package $15 per person and includes admission. program, entrée, beverage and reserved club seating for the day’s festivities.

Regular admission $4 for adults; $2 for Senior Citizens; children 12 and under FREE

For more information, visit www.shrp.com or call (281) 807-8760.