Meadowlands Racetrack’s Championship Meet Packed with Racing, Food and Fun

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment kicks off the Championship Meet on Friday, May 5^th, and runs through Hambletonian Day, Saturday, August 5^th.   Live racing takes place every Friday and Saturday night with a 6:20pm post time. The Championship Meet features over $8 million in stakes races as well as event-filled weekends.

Every live race night fans can enter Horseplay. Pick up a free horse at the promotions table and throw the horse into the car for a chance to win $100 and an entry into the Friday, August 4^th drawing for a brand new 2023 Toyota Camry.

On Saturday, May 6^th, come out to the track for an exciting day and night of simulcast & live racing action, including the 149^th running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs. Fans can enter the $1,000 Derby Hat contest and the $100 win wager promotion. Afternoon dining can be purchased at https://meadowlandsracetrack.ticketleap.com/2023-derby-day-simulcast/

Also on Saturday May 6^th, the Meadowlands hosts the annual Beer Fest.  Doors open for VIP ($65) at 4:00 pm with General Admission ($45 in advance or $50 at the door) at 5:00 pm; beer will be poured until 9:00pm. Fest-goers will experience over 60 breweries and cideries including local NJ favorites.

Tickets can be purchased at https://meadowlandsracetrack.ticketleap.com/2023-meadowlands-racetrack-beer-fest/

The track is seeking local New Jersey charities interested in having a night at the races for a good cause in the fourth annual Charity Handicapping Contest on Saturday, May 13. The Charity Contest is a free handicapping challenge open to 501C3 organizations.   The Contest offers a $15,000 total donation/prize pool, with all ten charities receiving a donation. Interested not-for-profit organizations must apply to participate by emailing Rachel Ryan at raryan@playmeadowlands.com by Thursday, May 4.

Saturday, June 3^rd is the return of the popular Wiener Dog Derby.  Fans watch dachshunds dash down the track’s stretch in between live harness racing.  Dachshunds can register at https://www.cognitoforms.com/MeadowlandsRacetrack1/_2023MeadowlandsRacetrackWeinerDogDerbyRegistration

Thirty thousand dollars is up for grabs at the Meadowlands Racetrack on Saturday, July 22 in the second annual Jackpot Sweepstakes! Beginning at 6:45 pm the Meadowlands will call a contestant’s name every 15 minutes to win a cash prize. The cash prizes get progressively larger as the evening progresses. The final drawing is at 11:30pm and will be for a minimum prize of $5,000. If the cash prize goes unclaimed (winners are given 15 minutes to claim prize), it is rolled into the next drawing. Fans can pre-register at https://www.cognitoforms.com/MeadowlandsRacetrack1/_30000ProgressiveSweepstakesEntryForm

On Saturday June 24^th, the vino will flow at Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment for the Meadowlands Wine Festival.  Doors open for VIP Admission ($65) at 4:00 pm with General Admission ($45 in advance or $50 at the door) at 5:00 pm and wine is poured until 9:00pm. Fest-goers will experience an evening of great wines from around the world, live-harness racing, music and food. Tickets are available at https://meadowlandsracetrack.ticketleap.com/2023-meadowlands-racetrack-wine-fest/ .

Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1st is Fan Appreciation Weekend. Fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs, popcorn, soda and $2 Bud/Bud Lights on both nights.  Plus following the races fans on Friday night are encouraged to stay for the free fireworks show.

Then on Saturday, July 8^th the annual BBQ Extravaganza returns to the track on Meadowlands Pace eliminations night.  $2,500 is up for grabs in the Battle with $500 top prizes for the best brisket, chicken, pulled pork and ribs plus the fan favorite.

Saturday, July 15^th it’s the Meadowlands signature night-time event – The Meadowlands Pace! On the track, $2.5 million in stakes is up for grabs including the top 3 year old pacers competing for the Meadowlands Pace title. While watching and wagering on the world class harness racing fans can ride the mechanical shark, dance with DJ ALX and grab commemorative t-shirt (while supplies last).   Details can be found at https://playmeadowlands.com/pace/

Also on Pace night is the annual Meadowlands Racetrack Burger Battle The contest offers a $1,500 grand prize with $1,000 for 2^nd place, $500 for third and a $500 prize for the best burger patty. This free event runs from 5-11 pm and fans are encouraged to come out and taste some of the best local burgers.

The always popular Seafood Festival is scheduled for Saturday, July 29^th.  There will be a raw bar in the Backyard and a variety of food trucks serving up some of the best seafood in the Garden State including fried clams, fish tacos, crab fries, lobster rolls and much more!

The race meet wraps up on Saturday, August 5^th with the greatest day in harness racing – $1 million Hambletonian Day.  Over $3.5 million is on the line as the top trotters and pacers compete to be crowned champions.  Doors open at 10 am with first race at 12 noon.  Admission is $5 and includes a commemorative Hambo baseball cap for adults and children.  In addition to great harness racing, fans can enjoy carnival rides and games, food trucks, pony rides, live music and much more. Admission and table seating can be purchased at https://playmeadowlands.com/hambletonian-news/

For a complete list of nightly events, promotions and updated racing calendar please visit PlayMeadowlands.com.  Dining reservations for the Pink buffet can be made by calling 201-The-BigM (201-843-2446) or by visiting https://playmeadowlands.com/dine/.

Looking to book a corporate event or private party?  Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment has unlimited event possibilities – from a rooftop terrace with skyline views, to Trackside to private Skybox Suites.  Book a Party today by emailing alokshin@playmeadowlands.com.

Reminder, guests must be 18+ to wager; 21+ to gamble on sports.  Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.