KEY TAKEAWAYS: Fair Grounds’ 155th Thoroughbred racing season begins Nov. 19 and runs through March 21. Venue upgrades include more than 80 new slot machines and renovated hospitality spaces. The season adds new community events alongside returning racing and entertainment programs. The $1 m illion Louisiana Derby headlines the schedule March 20.   Fair Grounds Race Course Slots will open its 155th Thoroughbred racing season Nov. 19, bringing more than four months of live racing, special events and new programming to New Orleans through March 21, 2027. The upcoming season will also introduce several upgrades to the Fair Grounds property, including a renovated slot floor with more than 80 new slot machines and improvements to hospitality and event spaces. Fair Grounds announced the 2026-27 schedule Monday, following a season in which Golden Tempo earned all of his Kentucky Derby qualifying points at the New Orleans track before securing a place in the race. Major dates on the new schedule include the Thanksgiving Classic on Nov. 26, Louisiana Champions Day on Dec. 12 and Louisiana Derby Day on March 20. The $1 million Louisiana Derby will headline the track’s premier racing day and mark the 114th running of the race. The season will also feature a mix of entertainment and community events intended to broaden the track’s appeal beyond traditional Thoroughbred racing. New events include the Jambalaya Jamboree Cook-Off during opening weekend and the Fair Grounds Neighborhood Family Picnic Day in January. Other programming includes Junior Jockey Days, First Responder Day, college events, exotic animal races, corgi and wiener dog races and a three-date Twilight Racing Series. Fair Grounds will debut several facility improvements when the season opens. The slot floor has been renovated with new carpeting, paint, restrooms and more than 80 new slot machines. The Black Gold Room on the second floor of the Derby Building has been refreshed as a private hospitality space, while the Pan Zareta Room received new paint and carpeting. “We are thrilled to welcome local faces, out-of-town visitors, and the sport’s top trainers and jockeys to experience the newly enhanced Fair Grounds for our 155th racing season,” Fair Grounds President and General Manager Cathy Beeding said. “Golden Tempo’s incredible season last year was a tremendous moment for Fair Grounds and our racing fans, and we’re excited to build on that momentum as we welcome a new season of racing.” The Thanksgiving Classic will return Nov. 26 for its 102nd running. Fair Grounds will also offer Thanksgiving dining packages in the Clubhouse and Black Gold Dining areas, along with two new locations, the Apron Tent and Sports Lounge. Louisiana Champions Day on Dec. 12 will feature a 10-race card with seven stakes races showcasing Louisiana-bred horses. The event will be combined with Salute the Military Day and include college scholarship drawings. Fair Grounds’ Road to the Derby series begins Dec. 19 with eight stakes races featuring 3-year-old colts and fillies. Another Road to the Derby Day is scheduled Jan. 16, followed by Louisiana Derby Preview Day on Feb. 13. Louisiana Derby Day on March 20 will feature the $1 million Louisiana Derby and some of the sport’s leading horses, jockeys, trainers and owners. The season concludes March 21 with awards recognizing the track’s top jockey, trainer and owner. Fair Grounds is owned by Churchill Downs Inc. and has operated in New Orleans since 1872. In addition to the racetrack and slots operation, Fair Grounds operates 13 off-track betting locations with video poker facilities across southeast Louisiana. ...read more read less