On Friday, May 1, guests can come out to the track for the Championship Meet Kick-off, which will run through August 8, and test their luck with a chance to win $100,000 in the Scratch, Match & Win Game!
Beginning at 6 p.m., the first 2,500 people will receive a scratch card of six numbers. Live racing will start at 7:15 p.m. and the winning numbers will be announced after Races 3 and Race 6 with special videos. Guests who match all six numbers will win $100,000, five number matches will win $1,000 and four number matches will win $500. Matches from the first video cannot be combined with the second video.
The competition does not end there, as non-winners can complete the back of the scratch card for a chance to win a betting voucher – five $100 and five $50 voucher winners will be picked. Victory Sports Bar & Club will open at 5 p.m. and will feature its recently launched $5 bar menu.
Guests will have an opportunity to join Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment the following day for their annual Derby Day on Saturday, May 2. The sprawling racetrack and entertainment complex main doors open at 9:30 a.m. with free admission. The second floor Grandstand Level opens 10 a.m.
Donning their biggest hats, stylish sun dresses, pastels and khakis, race-goers will participate in a full day of simulcast and live racing action, including the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby live from Churchill Downs. The first Churchill race begins at 10:30 a.m.
As an added convenience, the Meadowlands will offer a walk-up Teller window in Lot M off of Berry’s Creek Road. Derby wagers can be placed 12 noon until 6:30 p.m.
The best seat in the house may be the track’s apron and Grandstand where the ‘141st Run for the Roses’ will be simulcast on the 18’x48’ infield HD video screen with post time set for 6:24 p.m.
During the day’s festivities, guests will enjoy the finest in dining options. Victory Sports Bar & Club and the Café will open at 9:30 a.m. Victory will be hosting a Derby themed lunch buffet for $39.95 beginning at 11:30 a.m. Dishes include savory Southern Fried Chicken, Tangy Coleslaw, Freshly Baked Corn Bread and Homemade Mac and Cheese. For reservations call 201-THE-BIG-M (201-843-2446).
Guests can also visit the food court and newly added Buns Sandwich, Chipz Cookies and Pollo Frito restaurants. The food court will open at 12:00 p.m. as well as the Victory Terrace Rooftop Bar. Woodford Reserve bourbon, the ‘Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby,’ will be served throughout the day along with mint juleps and other libations.
Pink, the tiered dining room with perfect views of the live racing action, will feature a few Southern inspired menu options on their $39.95 three-course menu such as the Cider Glazed Pork Loin and Cajun Rubbed Chicken. Pink will open at 4:30 p.m. and reservations are strongly recommended. To reserve a table call 201-THE-BIG-M (201-843-2446).
Trotters features a $49.95 buffet ($44.95 for members) beginning at 4:30 p.m. Trotters will also broadcast the Mayweather/Pacquiao fight and serve a late-night snack buffet for $35 ($30 for members). For reservations please call Marianne Rotella 201-842-5059 or email [email protected].
Live harness racing will commence at 5:30 p.m. and include a special Pick 4 wager featuring two live races from the Meadowlands and two simulcast races from Tioga Downs in Upstate New York.
Fans can enter the $100 win wager sweepstakes for a chance to win one of ten $100 wagers (wager on live harness racing only). Not to be left out, the belles of the ball will have the option to sign up for the Grand Prize Hat Contest from 2 – 4:45 p.m. for a chance to win a $500, $250 or $100 prize. Judging will begin at 5 p.m.
Prizes continue into the night with Horseplay beginning at 6 p.m. Buy a horse for $1 and throw the horse into the car for a chance to win $100 and entry into the August 8 car drawing for a 2015 Scion FRS. All proceeds in the month of May will be donated to The Volunteer Center of Bergen County. Sign-ups for the Million Dollar Ball Drop also begin at 6 p.m.
After the Derby, Victory and E-Rock Entertainment will be hosting the fight of the century where Floyd Mayweather will take on Manny Pacquiao, undercard begins at 9 p.m. Cover charge $25 for men, $20 for ladies. DJ Toro will be spinning beats during the night. Reservations are strongly recommended. For reservations call 862-668-2473 or email [email protected].
To make reservations or book your private event, call 201-843-2446 or email [email protected].
(Meadowlands)