FIRST TIMERS at the derby today!! We had winners circle tickets which included an AYCE brunch from 12-4. Pet me tell you it was a whole lot of food we could not try all. From your typical pancakes and waffles etc. to stuffed chicken with season rice and more. An array of desserts, salads and fruits. Drinks are reasonably priced averaging $9-$12. Service is decent considering size of venue. Regular drinks, sodas and teas were included for the $45 ticket. For some reason the races mostly started away from us which was a little disappointing but overall loved the experience. They also have a special area for kids on Sundays this month only $5 with face painting, play areas, petting zoo and more. read more

See all

Hidden gem in Houston - what a fun getaway from the city! Spent a couple of hours here on a surprise date. $7 for admission that I paid online in advance for ($14 for two people). Parking was plentiful since it was a huge lot. The venue itself is quite big - multiple floors and wide in length. There were lots of tables with individual monitors with horse races streaming from different regions of the U.S, along with lots of TVs by the food court area. Plenty of people just watching the different races streamed on the TV happily. Betting takes place on the kiosks spread throughout the building. There's a variety of methods to bet, but easily thing to do is take a picture of the screen and have ChatGPT explain it to you lol since it's a lot of information to digest if you're a first timer. Betting is minimum $2 to start. The nachos were cheap and filling - $10 for a spread shared among two people. Plenty of cheap food available. Now for the actual racing, there was a lot of seating (albeit, they were not labeled). We actually sat in the paid, reserved seating with the TV monitors (which was quite nice, since you could see the camera following the horses racing outside on the track up close), until we were kicked out since we could show the ticket narc our tickets. We relocated to a different seating area next to it, and again after a few rounds, we were ticket-checked again and had to move. Finally, we discovered the free seating, which is at the very end on the left side of the building, with the auditorium-like seats (furthest from the fancy restaurant they have). It wasn't terrible, and we spent most of the time at the paid seating anyways. Would recommend better signage because as newbies to the horse racing venue, we didn't know any better. A lot of friend groups, families, singles, all gathered to watch the horse racing, and TBH, I got pretty into it once I started betting (rabbit hole?), so it was quite fun. There was even a hat contest that was cute to watch! I'd come back! It was a unique way to spend a Saturday afternoon! read more

See all

I witnessed a horse break its leg during a race. It limped around for awhile and finally collapsed at the finish line. They put a black tarp up to cover what was going on then euthanized it. A tractor came out and winched it into a box. People were crying and many left. They continued the races like nothing happened not saying a word about what just happened. I don't think I can support this place or sport anymore after seeing that. read more

Attended an event at the race park. Hadn't been here in several years but it is a good place to host an event. We were outside for a benefit walk for MADD. Plenty of space outside and inside for vendors and an area for a stage for a DJ and performances. Parking is plentiful and signage was good. The inside was nice and cold which was a relief from the heat. read more

See all

I visited the race park for a birthday celebration and was very pleasantly surprised with the facility. I was impressed by the size of the climate controlled space to view the races. There isn't a bad seat in the house. Sam Houston Race Park is certainly family friendly with something for all ages. The food was actually very good for a track. The staff was very friendly and helpful to those who place bets for the first time in life. I may have tried their patience, however. You should expect to get plenty of exercise walking from the parking areas to the entrance. Perhaps shuttles existed but I didn't see any. My overall experience was very favorable and look forward to another visit. read more

See all

Being not much of a gambler, I infrequently visit this track. But today was Ostrich and Camel racing. And temperatures were below 90F. And the boss wanted to go. So I filled her up with Chardonnay, bought her a $2 ticket to win on a sure thing. She was thrilled, I was happy in the AC with reasonable bar service, and camels read more

Sam Houston Race Park - Camels - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Houston, Texas

I went here recently for the Ostrich & Camel races. The venue is quite large. Parking is difficult and set up extremely poorly, with dead end rows. Getting in was no issue with prepaid tickets. Once inside, there are options upstairs and downstairs for food. Getting drinks was a hassle and a half. As April and some other reviewers recently noted, it took over an hour to get a drink at the bar. Two bartenders for a line of 20-30 people should not take this long. Turns out a lot of people just either cut the line or walk up to the bar. The announcements are difficult to hear inside and I could not find accurate post times anywhere. They should have that more clearly displayed, like an ETA to the next race. Drink prices were pretty reasonable because of the specials ($4 tall boy / $2 for pre-bottled small wine that tasted like battery acid). We didn't get any food here, but the portions looked reasonable for prices that weren't too bad. Betting was very easy at the booths, although they should highlight on top that "SAM HOUSTON" is the track to bet on for the races here (since you can bet on many races at the terminals). Cashing out was also easy upstairs at the tellers. Overall, I wouldn't come back unless there was a special event. And if I did, I'd try to get there a bit earlier to not have to go through the parking wars. read more

See all

The shift with Nikayla W. At the jimmy buffet tribute concert was phenomenal! The ladies were sooo sweet and kind. The bbq is delish! The drink is just right! Tunes are parrot head! read more

Sam Houston Race Park - Bbq Sandwich - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

Since I have been waiting in line at the bar for an hour (and still waiting), I have time to write this. It's a Friday night and here for the horses, Ostrich and camel races. At this point I've missed the Ostrich race unless you count that I saw it on the bar TV. They have 4 bartenders taking care of a massive bar along with the 4 lines. If you happen to grab a bar seat when someone leaves you will be served before the individuals that have been waiting in line. With that being said drink prices were very reasonable. I got a mixed drink and a NUTRL for $12. We had a group of 30 in the counter seats which gave us a nice view in the air conditioning. For $10 it was a steal. read more

It's a great place to hang and watch races. Two days in March they have ostrich and camel races. We came for the Saturday race. The parking lot is massive with lots of handicap spaces. Walking in, it's huge. Tons of seating downstairs. They have concessions like hotdogs, frito pies, pizza, and hamburgers. We opted to eat at the Jockey Club. For $50 you have your own table with great views, a tv, unlimited non alcoholic beverage, a separate bar, and a buffet is included. Today they had BBQ grilled chicken, brisket, smoked sausage, green beans, corn, chili, assorted breads, desserts and a salad bar. The food was good. Chicken and brisket was good. I liked their chili, it had a kick. The bartenders and servers were nice. Beers are about $5.75, on Fridays they have $4 big beer specials. Drinks are about $10-$14. It's laid back, fun, and a great time to spend a day. read more

See all

Came here for the Boots for Troops concert. The lineup did not disappoint. Nine hours of nonstop country music that would have you beguiled. The food was pretty damn good. The crawfish was amazing! Sausage, Boudin, sun, cigar, good day? Affirmative. The one of 2 downsides was the food truck that I ordered from forgot to give us our sausage and Boudin. It's OK. They quickly remedied the situation without asking any questions after reviewing my receipt. Props to them. The other downside was... The venue literally ran out of bottled water. This is unlike leading a horse to water. I want the damn water. I just can't drink it. Like the horse. Get it? If not, you've never heard the story of the horse being led water. Can't make it drink it? Never mind horrible analogy. The Uber drop off point was very well organized. They got us in and out without having to wait for an hour to find your car, drive to the exit, wait in line, and then holy crap. I'm right home well done. The music I'm not gonna bore you with the entire lineup because it takes too long. Google it. #Spoiler. Wade and Sawyer absolutely killed it. The staff? Utterly outstanding. Every person there was so friendly and courteous. I had to give them mega props. Do not know if they contracted out for this event or if these are their regular staff. But they did a fantastic job. That's why I tip so well. So. Eight hours? Lots of live music? Great food? Great drinks? Great staff? Easy in and out! Rock solid four stars read more

See all

It was really a great experience to see the Cirque du Soleil TX Big Top show at the Sam Houston Racetrack. The performers were amazing as well as the different performances they did. It is worth the ticket price so grab 2 for yourself and another so they can witness the impossible to most with you. read more

Sam Houston Race Park - Inside cirque du soleil - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Houston, Texas

A fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The place was kid friendly and clean. We will be back. read more

Sam Houston Race Park - At the paddock - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Houston, Texas

So my friend and I decided to check this place out for the first time and we had a great time. I can see how people spend the entire day here. There were a total of 9 horse races and also the camel and ostrich races for fun but you can't place bets on those. We arrived around 11:30 to scope out the place and had plans to eat the regular buffet but they were booked with reservations so we spent a little bit more to get a table in the Jockey club. You can literally sit in there and eat all day. General admission into the race park is only $5 and you can also rent box seats as well which are not too expensive. Check out the website. So we decided to spend a bit more for a buffet and over table in the jockey club with comes with its own small screen to see the races and you also have the big view from your seat as well of the track. The buffet was good but could be better. They had smoked brisket, chicken breast, salad, corn and green beans, chili and also desserts which were alright. The chocolate cake I had was really dry. There's alcohol everywhere and it wasn't cheaper than elsewhere but on Fridays in March they will have $4 big beers and specials on wine. The bathrooms were ok I mean so many people are doing in and out so it's hard to keep it emasculate. I bet on horses for the first time and won the first two races which was fun and also there's plenty of parking and you don't have to pay extra for it. Overall it was a fun experience and I would go back. read more

See all

FUN FRIDAY! $5 general admission and $4 24oz Big Beer/$2 187 ml wine is a recipe for a fun night at the race track. The loaded nachos were a bed of crunchy tortilla chips topped with your choice of toppings that included chicken, beef, nacho cheese sauce, lettuce, pickled jalapeños, pico, corn salsa, salsa, guacamole, sour cream and more. There is pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, popcorn and other carnival type foods available as well. Purchased a $3 program and placed a few bets. The restrooms were clean. Seating was roomy. All in all, a fun Friday!! read more

See all

Quarter horse racing at its finest eat. Fridays are great. Friday beer night specials. 22 oz deals. The season is done, so I'll have to wait 6-months again to enjoy this track. read more

Sam Houston Race Park - $4.00 Fridays beer nights. - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Houston, Texas

Ok - this was seriously a fun outing. We went for the Weiner dog races, but the whole atmosphere was SO friendly & laid back. The staff was so courteous and helpful . They have food and drinks and evidently lots of events. Kids are welcome. We will be going back to experience the horse racing side if it. But we got to see the horses lining up, the jockeys up close, the horses making their walk around before the race. Very cool! The only suggestion I would have would be for the announcer of the races and such to be louder -if was way to soft. read more

See all

If you go in the summer, don't expect the facility to have its AC working. It's sweltering hot - not worth it. Food is good Service was OK once we got someone's attention. Can't fault them for the sauna. read more

I prefer the Sam Houston Gender Garden and the Sam Houston Sexuality Preserve, but this is nice too. This is one of many awesome event spaces in the Houston area, which makes for a really fun time depending on what's going on here. You always see a whole bunch of people here and sometimes I'll run into people I know as well. And I've met several very attractive people while here, and I'll constantly get spotted while here by people who recognize me. I didn't know you can get so well-known because of Yelp. read more

Sam Houston Race Park - I'm not racist, I'm the raciest - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Houston, Texas

This review is only for the Bigtop for Cirque Du Soleil-KOOZA. The parking lot for the show is very adequate with parking attendants quickly maneuvering vehicles to the desired location. Your row and seat will determine the location and side entrance you will use to enter the tent, but before the Big Top tent you will pass through a smaller main tent connected which provides various areas for concessions, product sale, Concierge, photo backgrounds. The rows of WCs are located to the left on the main tent entrance with hand wash and sanitize stations throughout the area. There is also a WC trailer that is ADA located to the right of the main row of WCs. If you purchased the VIP package then a private W/C and tent area are provided for you located to the right of the main tent entrance. I am glad that Sam Houston Race Park is able to provided and area for such a great show as KOOZA. The show as phenomenal set to a backdrop of action interlaced with grace and beauty. A must visit! read more

See all

Attended cirque du soleil alegria with my friends and her daughter for her 6th birthday. It was amazing! Cirque du SOLEIL never disappoints! read more

Sam Houston Race Park - cirque du soleil alegria - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Houston, Texas

Been attending race venues for over 40 years. Hundreds of visits to major tracks like Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, Del Mar, Churchill Downs, Lexington, etc. Sam Houston race park is a well run, CLEAN, customer friendly operation that is very inexpensive, has multiple food/seating options and has state of the art betting technology available. They also have many promotional days that have family friendly fun activities and free concerts. Parking is FREE!!! Based on everything mentioned above, I'd have to rank this racing facility way above the other tracks I've been to. Whoever's running this facility is doing a fantastic job. Impressive!! read more

I've been out here a few times, but I'm only really reviewing the place based on my last visit. The race track hosts events in both the spring and fall, either thoroughbred or quarter horse racing, with the occasional gimmick like corgi, camel, ostrich, or weiner dog racing added to boost crowds. The staff is friendly, admission is relatively cheap, and you can place bets as low as $2 to get a piece of the action. They have reasonably priced concessions on each floor, and guides to help you with your betting, programs that provide explanation of betting terms and events, and more. During the off-seasons, the venue hosts other events like Cirque du Soleil and a Christmas lights show. The venue is showing it's age at times, and sometimes the staff can be a bit inattentive and you have to interrupt them to get help, but for the most part this can be a fun occasional night out. read more

Spent the day out there today betting on the horses. Had a table in the Jockey Club Our waitress was awesome. I think her name was Alexandra. Anyway, ask for her if you go there. They have a buffet lunch. Most of it was fine but the meat was some of the worst I have ever been served. Really terrible. Chicken, carrots, noodles, salad, desserts were all good. Drink prices are great. Maybe they want to loosen you up for betting but no complaints about the price or the strength of the drinks. I'll go back but I wish the meat in the buffet was edible, it was just AWFUL. read more

We went here to see the Cirque du Soleil - Luzia show. My daughters fiancé bought my husband and me tickets for Christmas. (Thanks) (date night ) We had a great time. The show was in a large tent in the parking. (Very cool.)We arrived and paid for parking and were shown where to park. We got a superb park spot. The show was outstanding. So such talent in one show!!!We had great seats. But honestly, I don't think there was a bad seat in the venue. When we were leaving we were in and out of the parking lot in less than 3 minutes! Bonus! There was a yelp elite event here the same night we went. What a nice event to attend. I look forward to coming to see another Cirque du Soleil show in the future. read more

The day of the Belmont, AC went out. Got really hot in the players circle. I come today for Father's Day, and the AC is STILL out! If this was any other race track, this would have been fixed. I'm going home... forget this bush track. read more

This place is a cluster****. Horrible service, horrible food, and the place is a dump. The people who run this place need to be terminated. The wait for food is ridiculous. There's never enough employees, causing delays in service and overworked employees. This produces a horrible end product. Stay away. read more

It's a nice spot for betting and watching some horse races. The staff is always friendly and helpful, the jockey club has good amenities! We have fun coming here! read more

See all

This was my first time here, and I lived here most of my life. Used to live closer to this race park, too. I've only attended a Cirque du Soleil show when they set up their tent on part of the lot. Anyway, I love this place! I thought it was so exciting. The horses we bet on won their races or tied for first place! We missed the ostrich races, but the camel one was great. Lots of people bring their kids here. It's great fun for all. I think we might go back to see the ostrich races this weekend. Plenty of beer, and there's stadium seating inside. read more

See all

Fun if you know how to bet on horse races! Fun spot if you want to take the family out on a different adventure! Buy a $2 minimum ticket to make the races interesting and exciting! Great for fun nights out with friends and family or the serious horse gambler! read more

See all

So, I don't have to do this one twice. I was so excited about doing this walk. Maybe I'm over organized, but this walk was all over the place. Structure was halfway, they ran out of glasses, that I paid for in my VIP race packet. First strike! During the race, foam machines were isolated in 2-3 spots, machines were broken (not pumping foam out or one sided pumping foam out slowly), people acted as if they were the only ones participating and stopped under foam machines which caused chaos and line build up. Water they passed out during the race was hot and from the water hose. They had young teenagers, sticking their fingers in the cups as they passed them around and out to us. The race consisted of, unlit cones in a zigzag as our directory of which way we were to follow to walk the child made trail. Pavement was not lighted as well, causing confusion in the design patterns to follow. Unsafe cracks, high pavement, low pavement, unleveled pavement which was a accident waiting to happen. Just as any event, they only had one entrance opened, for entrance and departures, but getting in and out was organized the best. If you want to donate for the cause, this is the walk for you. If you want to walk around in the parking lot for $45, this is the walk for you. If you are walking just to be walking in the dark with foam that you pour on yourself, this is the walk for you. If you are part of the organization of this walk, hire me we have some improvement to do! read more

See all

Went to Sam Houston Parkway, but for the Cirque du Soleil Luzza. Seats were very good although we did not do VIP which are even better seats than these were, not to mention the fabulous lite bites and spirits but because of Grandchildren and other family members not wanting to pay that much we passed. To us, it's a wonderful experience to go that way though. We enjoyed the show, although I needed it translated and it was by far the least impressive performances I have ever seen...I.have been to many, many, many and in Vegas when they were first a phenomena. Some actors/performers were better than others. The Comedian stole the show, the contortionist, we are still talking about. How in the world can he turn his body completely around, is unbelievable, just so eerie, so flexible. Everybody had a great time. Restrooms: not enough available and those who are eligible for handicapped, have to wait for an inconsiderate non diabled to go first. Kept me from missing part of the show and having everybody on the aisle get up to let me pass by. Some people. Parking was $12 and handicapped was close by although directors didn't seem to point to which way to direct us too. All in all, we handled the little things like $6 water bottles and $6 cotton candy before we sat down. The children liked it so it was a hit with them. To me it lacked the magic and costumes,of what would be considered an A game overall performance. read more

Sam Houston Race Park - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Houston, Texas

The variety you get in Winner's Circle (the only ticket I've bought) is worth 4 stars. I've uploaded the menu for St. Patrick's Day but even when I went last year, there was prime rib (instead of corned beef). The ticket is definitely worth it because where else can you eat a dinner buffet for $30? Even if you are not a horse person, this is the place to be! As for the food quality, I'd probably give 2-3 stars. The food is ok, but I wouldn't say it's the best I've ever eaten. It's better than your standard American buffet restaurant but there were things that were a bit amiss. The cakes sometimes can be dry. There was a blob of powder in my cousin's gumbo that seemingly did not dissolve. There was a hair inside the banana pudding, so be careful and watch out! We had a group of 12, and this was seemingly easy to coordinate on the phone but difficult in execution. Initially I called with a group of 11 in January and added a twelfth person 3 days prior to the event. Upon arrival, I discovered we were only allotted 11 tickets after a friend made a snide comment we were surprisingly all on time because he took the last ticket at will call. Yet, one more person still hadn't arrived. So, this started a conversation with the hostess stand who called the will call person to visit. I had to explain the situation about 5 times to 5 different people, that we were missing a ticket. Finally, the will call guy said, "I'll have a ticket for your friend at will call, no problem." In addition, even if we did have a group of 11, we were only given 10 programs, which were supposed to be included in the group rate. I had also requested a table in the 300s in January because it's easier to see. I was later told a few days prior that we were split into two tables because tables cannot be pushed together to accomodate a large group. That's fine, but I wish I'd known that in January because it caused confusion within our group a few days prior to the event. In addition, we did not receive tables in the 300s and were placed in the 100s instead. We were placed at the finish line, which was nice, but like I told a customer who inquired at the hostess stand, there is no way to reserve a table despite deserving two months in advance. I am aware table placement isn't guaranteed but in January, the lady didn't think it'd be an issue because we were reserving so far ahead of time. It's because of the previous paragraphs I don't give four stars. I think the key is to have no more than 6 in a group. It's hard for this place to accomodate any more people. If you have 8 in a group, you'd be split into a group of 6 and 2, which I think would be awkward. I do realize this means you don't get a group rate, but frankly, there's not THAT much of a benefit. For the group rate in Winner's Circle, you are still charged the same price of a ticket, but a program is included (normally $2 at the race) and your group's name is in the program. I am not the biggest horse person, so I probably will just go annually. This place of course does not have the history of Churchill Downs (who does?) where I've been previously, but if you like horses, you should come here. You can watch the horses up close, and a friend got a picture with one of the jockeys and her horse. Not a bad way to spend St. Patty's night! read more

See all

My husband and I have been attending races at the Sam Houston Race Park for the past 20 years. For the past 10 years we have been sitting every week for live racing at the Finish Line bar and have been enjoying the service provided by Christina, the bartender. She was extremely efficient and could make a challenging job look easy. She was the only bartender at that bar during the Kentucky Derby Day racing. Her line was at least 20 people deep at all times and she managed to get everyone served in a timely manner. We have been very unhappy to learn that her services were no longer needed and hope that she is asked to return to her job soon. She was one of the reasons we enjoyed continuing coming to see the live races and spending our money. We will spend our money elsewhere in the future at this point. Hope to hear a positive response to this post. Also disappointing was the fact that for the last 4 weeks, we have not been able to get food of our choice - hamburgers, chicken strips, french fries and onion rings. Jeanne M. read more

I came here for the first time friday for a birthday party. It's probably a good thing that I have not come sooner, way too much temptation for my asian blood. They had 50 cent bud brand beer (12 ounces) and they let you buy two at a time. One of the choices of beer was shock top, which was a surprise to see. They have a big selection of foods. I decided to try a spot that had cheeseburger baskets and other interesting sandwiches. I went with one that had sliced BBQ beef, bacon, and a fried egg. The sandwich was amazing given the venue, and the price was more than reasonable. under $7 with a large basket of fries. I was expecting to get gouged fwith low quality food. so cheap drinks - check decent food - check entertainment - check Even if you're not a gambler, you can at least be entertained cheaply. Minimum bets are $2 and you can even go outside to watch the horses up close. Its probably a good thing that I had not discovered this place until now. Its a great change of pace from the normal venues. If you have not been, it is definitely worth giving it a try. read more

Sam Houston Race Park - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Houston, Texas

I have a hard time being objective due to my views on animal rights and racing but since I was forced to come here by a client I was entertaining I managed to check my beliefs as the door and feign a smile for a couple hours while he bet on everything he could. Apparantly they have camel and ostrich racing here too. How they justify that is beyond me. So the place was ok, a race track, with cheap drinks and lots of over served people. That pretty much sums it up, a race track with drunk people, read more

I really do love it at Sam Houston Race Park. The amenities are very good compared to Retma in San Antonio. And the Player's Lounge is extremely comfortable and if you come to the Player's Lounge, get a seat either up front or the 2nd row for the best viewing. However, the food is good, but, it's limited. I would suggest to the management is to open more food concessions especially on the weekend. The staff is extremely Texas Friendly and the parking is plentiful but a little too far from the south gate. Keep up the good work! read more

So I came here recently for the Thoroughbred Half Marathon. It wasn't very well organized but this was not Sam Houston Race Park's fault, but the promoters. It was very cool to have a horse start out with you for the first part of a 13.1 mile race. I have to give it up to SHRP though. They are constantly setting up events from races, to concerts, and festivals. I have been here for the Horse racing and that too can be a lot of fun. They also simulcast a lot of different tracks including dog tracks so you can find a little bit of anything to bet on. read more

Came here with my family to celebrate my brother's bday. The Kooza show at Cirque du Soleil was great. Comedy/Drama meets performing arts meets stunning acrobatics. The only thing I found annoying was to pay for parking when we've already paid for the show. Would still recommend others to go, though. read more

Sam Houston Race Park - Awesome hat and mask Kooza merchandise - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Houston, Texas

I was here for Dollar night (they have these twice a year) for a birthday party and it was mildly amusing. I got to pet a horse, eat $1 hotdogs (which may or may not have also been associated with a horse at some point) and drink $1 beer. I also lost 2 bucks betting on a horse who had the lead for most of the race and finished 4th. No hard feelings towards that horse, but I could have bought another hotdog and beer with that money. For $1 entrance, $1 hot dogs, and $1 beer, it was worth putting up with all the smokers and degenerate gamblers to see how this works. Some of these people are super serious about this stuff- they have their notebooks out and get really passionate that a horse in Australia didn't run fast. Unless you're also a degenerate gambler, I can't imagine anybody paying $7 entrance to come lose their rent here. But hey, to each their own. Parking is pretty scary here too. I didn't notice anybody watching the cars and for a potential thief, it's easy pickings as they can just disappear into the darkness never to be seen again. read more