The Faces of Grand Prairie Sports Channel highlights the great professional, recreational, and school sports of our community — and we’re always looking for new hosts! Whether you’re a mom or dad who loves sharing your student’s big game win, a group of friends who enjoy talking golf or fishing, or a student hoping to gain on-camera experience, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at facesofgrandprairie@gmail.com to get involved. We’re looking forward to growing the Sports Channel together!
Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie has been a centerpiece of local sports and entertainment for nearly three decades, and this fall it’s buzzing again as Quarter Horse Season kicks off. I sat down with Rodney Nelson, Marketing Manager at the park, who wears many hats—promoting races, securing sponsorships, and even helping newcomers learn the ropes of betting. He’s been part of the Lone Star family since 2011, but his love for the track goes back even further, from the days he came simply as a fan eager to place a wager.
Rodney shared what makes Lone Star Park stand out not only in DFW but across Texas. It’s one of three Class One tracks in the state, offering thoroughbred racing in the spring and summer and shifting to quarter horses, Arabians, Paints, and Appaloosas in the fall. Beyond the traditional races, Lone Star Park is known for its fun and quirky events—everything from Extreme Racing with camels and ostriches to Lone Star Bark, an amateur dog racing event where families can cheer on their pets. It’s an experience that blends serious sport with family-friendly entertainment, complete with pony rides, face painters, and even community-focused charity days that funnel money back into local nonprofits.
The track itself is impressive, with the Silks Dining Room overlooking the course from the fourth floor. On big days like the Kentucky Derby, Mother’s Day, or Father’s Day, the room can host over 1,500 guests, who enjoy an all-inclusive ticket that covers admission, buffet dining, and beverages. A typical race day at Lone Star Park lasts four to five hours, with eight to fifteen races depending on the season. Quarter horse races fly by in thirty seconds, while thoroughbreds stretch out over a mile or more, but the downtime between races is filled with betting, food, music, and atmosphere.
For those new to racing, Rodney explained that it doesn’t take much to get started. A simple “win,” “place,” or “show” bet is easy to learn, and racing ambassadors in their bright shirts are always available to help. More adventurous fans can dive into exotic bets like trifectas and superfectas, where small wagers sometimes lead to big payoffs. But, as Rodney points out, you don’t have to bet to have a good time—standing close to the track and feeling the thunder of hooves is thrilling in itself.
This fall promises big moments for racing fans. September brings the start of the Fall Meeting of Champions, followed by the Dash for Cash Futurity and Derby in October, and culminating in November with the Texas Classic Futurity—the richest horse race in Texas with a purse of around one million dollars. Add in Dollar Days, where admission, hot dogs, beer, popcorn, and Pepsi all cost just one dollar, and it’s easy to see why Lone Star Park continues to draw crowds from across the region.
Nelson also pointed out that Lone Star Park is more than just a racetrack. With over 280 acres, it doubles as a venue for corporate events, reunions, proms, and charity galas. The city of Grand Prairie owns the facility, ensuring constant upgrades and top-notch conditions that rival any track in the nation. And for those who want the racing action year-round, the Bar & Book simulcast building is open seven days a week, streaming races from around the world.
At the end of the day, Lone Star Park is about more than horses. It’s about community, entertainment, and creating memories. Whether you’re betting on a million-dollar race, bringing your kids to see camels run, or hosting a celebration with a view of the track, it’s a place where Grand Prairie’s sports and culture come together in one unique venue.
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