1. Arrive Early

Traffic increases throughout the morning. Guests who arrive early enjoy easier parking, shorter entrance lines, and more time to explore the grounds before the first race.

2. Expect to Walk

Percy Warner Park is a beautiful historic park with rolling hills and grassy terrain. Comfortable footwear is recommended regardless of how you plan to spend your day.

3. Dress for the Weather

The event is held rain or shine.

May weather in Tennessee can change quickly, so we recommend checking the forecast before leaving home.

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and consider a light rain jacket if showers are possible.

4. Download Your Tickets Before Arriving

Cell service can become busy with thousands of guests on-site.

Save your tickets to your mobile wallet or take a screenshot before arriving.

Print your Parking Passes Before you leave home.

5. Plan to Stay All Day

Many guests arrive early and stay through the final race.

There is entertainment, shopping, food vendors, children's activities, hospitality experiences, and live music throughout the day.

Unlike many sporting events, there isn't just one way to enjoy the day.

You can:

• Tailgate with friends.

• Relax in reserved Box Seats.

• Entertain clients in a private hospitality tent.

• Enjoy premium experiences like Royal 615 or Magnolia Garden.

• Spend the day with your family.

• Watch horses from multiple viewing areas around the course.

No matter how you choose to experience Race Day, you'll have opportunities to watch exciting racing while enjoying everything else the event has to offer.

Suggested routine to enjoy the full experience:

Morning

• Arrive

• Park

• Enter the grounds

• Explore vendors

• Find your seats or tailgate

Midday

• Watch opening ceremonies at noon.

• Watch the races

• Enjoy lunch

• Visit sponsor activations

• Shop

• Take photos

Afternoon

• Feature race is the Calvin Hougland Iroquois Steeplechase Grade 1

• Fashion Contests

• Entertainment at the Stage

• Visit the desert food trucks in the vendor areas

✅ Tickets downloaded

✅ Parking purchased

✅ Directions saved

✅ Weather checked

✅ Comfortable shoes

✅ Sunscreen packed

✅ Phone charged

✅ Know your groups meeting location

Not at all. Many guests attend for the atmosphere, fashion, food, music, family activities, and social experience. Horse racing is the centerpiece of the day, but there's plenty to enjoy even if it's your first time.

Most guests make it an all-day experience. Arriving early allows you to enjoy more of the entertainment and activities before the races begin.

While both are celebrated horse racing traditions, the racing and the overall experience are quite different.

The Kentucky Derby showcases flat racing, where Thoroughbreds race around a dirt track without jumping obstacles. At the Iroquois Steeplechase, horses compete in steeplechase (jump) racing, navigating a turf course while clearing a series of hurdles—making it one of the oldest and most challenging forms of equestrian sport.

Guests will also find a different atmosphere. Rather than a grandstand-centered venue, the Iroquois Steeplechase unfolds across the beautiful rolling landscape of Percy Warner Park, where tailgating, hospitality, fashion, family activities, shopping, and live entertainment create a relaxed day outdoors built around world-class jump racing.

The event is held rain or shine.

In the event of severe weather, race officials will communicate any schedule changes or safety instructions through official event channels.

Absolutely. The Iroquois Steeplechase is a family-friendly event, and children are welcome. Dedicated family activities and kid-friendly experiences are available throughout the day in the family area.

The turf taverns and Royal 615 are a 21+ only area.