Tampa Bay Downs is one of the Tampa Bay area’s most historic sports and entertainment destinations, best known for live Thoroughbred horse racing and a tradition that dates back to 1926. Located in northwest Tampa near Oldsmar, the track combines exciting race days with dining, special events, simulcast wagering, poker, and golf.
Whether you’re a longtime racing fan or experiencing horse racing for the first time, Tampa Bay Downs offers an approachable and entertaining day at the races. Visitors can watch the horses up close, find a spot along the track or in the clubhouse, enjoy food and drinks, and experience major events such as Tampa Bay Derby Day.
Tampa Bay Downs first opened in 1926, with sports legends Babe Ruth, Jack Dempsey, and Gene Sarazen among the notable guests attending its inaugural race card.
Quick Facts
- Best For: Horse racing fans, couples, groups, families, and sports enthusiasts
- Time Needed: 3 to 5 hours on a live racing day
- Known For: Thoroughbred racing and the Tampa Bay Derby
- Established: 1926
- Location: Northwest Tampa, near Oldsmar
- Season: Live racing generally runs from late fall through spring
Highlights
- Live Thoroughbred Racing – Watch horses and jockeys compete on dirt and turf throughout the live racing season.
- Tampa Bay Derby – Experience one of the track’s signature annual race days and an important event on the road to the Kentucky Derby.
- Saddling Paddock & Walking Ring – See the horses up close as they prepare for each race before heading onto the track for the post parade.
- Trackside Viewing – Get close to the racing action from outdoor viewing areas near the track.
- Clubhouse & Grandstand – Choose from a variety of indoor and outdoor seating areas with different views and amenities.
- Dining & Drinks – Find casual concessions, bars, and additional dining options throughout the facility.
- Special Events – Family days, major racing weekends, promotions, and seasonal events add variety throughout the racing calendar.
Why Visit Tampa Bay Downs?
Tampa Bay Downs offers a completely different experience from Tampa Bay’s theme parks, museums, beaches, and other traditional attractions. A day at the track combines live sports, history, food, socializing, and the excitement of watching Thoroughbred racing just a few feet away.
You don’t need to be an experienced horse racing fan to enjoy a visit. First-time visitors can watch the horses before each race, learn the basics of racing and wagering, enjoy the atmosphere, and spend an afternoon experiencing one of the region’s longest-running sporting traditions.
Live Horse Racing
Live Thoroughbred racing is the centerpiece of Tampa Bay Downs, with the main racing season generally running from late fall through spring. Race days feature multiple races throughout the afternoon, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to explore the facility, watch horses prepare, and enjoy the action from different areas around the track.
Between races, head to the Saddling Paddock and Walking Ring to watch the horses prepare and get a closer look before the jockeys mount and head onto the track for the post parade. The racing calendar varies throughout the season, so check the current schedule before planning your visit.
For the full Tampa Bay Downs experience, visit on a live racing day and arrive before the first race. Take time between races to visit the Saddling Paddock and Walking Ring, where you can see the horses and jockeys up close before they head to the track.
Tampa Bay Derby
The Tampa Bay Derby is one of the biggest events on the Tampa Bay Downs calendar and attracts talented three-year-old Thoroughbreds competing on the road toward the Kentucky Derby. The annual race anchors a major day of racing and draws some of the track’s largest crowds of the season.
Expect higher attendance, special admission and seating arrangements, and a much busier atmosphere on Tampa Bay Derby Day. Visitors planning to attend should check event information and seating options well in advance.
Perfect For
- Horse racing fans
- Sports enthusiasts
- Couples
- Groups of friends
- Families
- Visitors looking for a unique Tampa Bay experience
Dining & Drinks
Tampa Bay Downs offers several places to grab food and drinks during a day at the races, ranging from casual concessions to bars and table-service options. Dining availability can vary by location, race day, and season.
More Than Horse Racing
Tampa Bay Downs remains active beyond its live racing schedule. The facility offers year-round simulcast wagering, while The Silks Poker Room features live poker games and tournaments.
Golfers can also visit The Downs Golf Practice Facility, which features more than 40 hitting areas, chipping areas, a full-size putting green, professional instruction, and a pro shop.
Good to Know
- Live racing is seasonal, so check the racing calendar before visiting.
- Admission and seating prices may differ for major events such as Tampa Bay Derby Day and Kentucky Derby Day.
- General parking is available on-site.
- Children are welcome at the track, with special family-focused events held on select race days.
- Simulcast wagering, poker, and golf are available outside the regular live racing schedule.
- Major race days can attract significantly larger crowds.
Hours
Hours vary depending on the live racing calendar, simulcast schedule, and other activities at Tampa Bay Downs. On live race days, gates typically open before the first afternoon race. Check the current racing calendar and operating schedule before visiting.
Pricing
General admission to Tampa Bay Downs is typically inexpensive, making a day at the races one of the more affordable sports experiences in the Tampa Bay area. Admission, reserved seating, and special-event pricing vary, particularly for major race days such as the Tampa Bay Derby and Kentucky Derby Day.
Parking
General parking is available on-site at Tampa Bay Downs. Valet parking and different parking arrangements may be offered during major events, so arrive early on popular race days.
Pair Your Visit
Tampa Bay Downs is located near Oldsmar and northwest Tampa Bay, making it easy to combine a day at the races with dining, shopping, or waterfront sightseeing nearby. After the races, consider heading toward Safety Harbor for restaurants, shops, and a walk along the waterfront.
Nearby Things to Do
Nearby destinations include Upper Tampa Bay Park, Oldsmar’s waterfront parks, Safety Harbor, and Philippe Park, along with restaurants, breweries, golf courses, and shopping throughout Oldsmar and Westchase.