Race Day
Race Day at a Glance
Saturday, May 8, 2027
Percy Warner Park
2500 Old Hickory Blvd., Nashville, TN 37221
Tailgating Area Open: 8:00 AM
Stage & Hospitality Areas Open: 10:30 AM
Stick Pony Race for Kids: 12:00 PM
Opening Ceremonies: 12:00 PM
First Race: 1:00 PM
Final Race: 5:00 PM
Rain or Shine | No Re-Entry
Arrive Early - It Matters!
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What to Expect
Welcome to Race Day at Iroquois — your ultimate guide to making the most of your second-Saturday-in-May tradition. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, here’s everything you need to know to plan ahead and enjoy the full experience.
From tailgates to the finish line, we want you in the know. Below, you’ll find logistics, insider tips, must-see highlights, and everything between so that your day is smooth, fun, and memorable.
Your Guide to Race Day
Explore everything you need to plan your visit to Nashville's Rite of Spring! Our 2027 Race Day Guide features hospitality experiences, Race Day highlights, fashion inspiration and the tradition of giving back.
Map Your Day — Must See Moments
Plan for possible delays, parking logistics, and walking time from your vehicle or shuttle drop-off to your desired areas.10:30 AM Live Music Begins at the Mangrove Stage in Steeplechase Central
12:00 PM Opening Ceremony & Parade of Hounds followed by the new time for the Stick Horse Race
1:00 PM First Race
Plan to arrive in time to enjoy the activities and review the race day program for accurate times of events and race schedule.Detailed Race Day Schedule
8:00 AM
RV Tailgating opens
8:00 AM
Inside the track tailgating opens (Topside, Centerfield, Midfield)
Railside Tents and Railside Parking open.
9:00 AM
Stirrup Club tailgating and Family Area tailgating opens.
Hillside Tents open.
10:30 AM
RV and (Topside, Centerfield, Midfield) tailgating vehicles must be in place.
Music begins at the Mangrove stage powered by iHeart in Steeplechase Central.
Magnolia Garden, Royal 615 , Jockey Club, Area’s open.
Box Seat, Paddock Club and Iroquois Society area’s open.
11:00 AM
Stirrup Club and Family Tailgating vehicles must be in place.
12:00 PM
Opening Ceremonies including Parade of Hounds and National Anthem.
Stick Horse Race. (See volunteer in Family Area for stick horse) Limited Quantity
1:00 PM
The first race begins. The Bright Hour Rating Handicap Hurdle sponsored by TriGreen Equipment1:40 PM
1:40 PM
Race 2 begins. Louis Brown McMillan Memorial Sport of Kings Maiden Hurdle sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Mark McMillan and Mr. & Mrs. Mark H. George
2:20 PM
Race 3 begins. Green Pastures Memorial Sport of Kings Novice Hurdle Stakes sponsored by Lowry Watkins, Jr.
3:00 PM
Race 4 begins. Calvin Houghland Iroquois (Grade 1) Sport of Kings Hurdle Stakes sponsored by Bank of America
3:40 PM
Race 5 begins. Margaret Currey Henley Sport of Kings Filly & Mare Hurdle Stakes
4:20 PM
Race 6 begins. Mason Houghland Memorial Timber
5:00 PM
Hospitality Tents begin to close. Magnolia Garden, Jockey Club, Paddock Club and Iroquois Society
Approximately 7:00 PM
Royal 615, The Mangrove Stage, and Tavern on the Turf in Steeplechase Central Closes.
Food, Drink & Dining Options
Food Trucks are located on the grounds in the Family Area, Steeplechase Central and at the Top of the Hill. Beverages can be purchased at the Turf Tavern’s - located in Steeplechase Central or at the entrance to the box seats. See event map for more detailed location.
Need Additional Information?
Need directions to the correct designated parking area or ride share information? Check out our race day maps and driving directions to ensure you do not delay your arrival time on race day! Need advice on what to bring, what is allowed and what is not allowed? Check out our what to bring page for more information!
Your Race Day Soundtrack
We've partnered with iHeartRadio to create the Official Iroquois Steeplechase Playlist for tailgates, private tents and everything in between.
Listen here: https://www.iheart.com/.../the-official-iroquois.../...