PASADENA, Calif. (September 14, 2016) – Breeders’ Cup, one of Thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious international events, today announced that it will host two community celebrations – Arcadia Night; A Salute to Zenyatta and Pasadena Fan Fest – during the week leading up to the 33rd Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park. Set to take place on Wednesday, November 2 and Friday, November 4, respectively, the two events will kick-off Breeders’ Cup 2016 with live entertainment, food trucks, cash bars and more. The Arcadia Night celebration will also include a special commemorative celebration of Zenyatta, one of the greatest female horses of all time.
“Arcadia Night and Pasadena Fan Fest will be great ways to kick off Breeders’ Cup weekend with the local communities as well as fans who have traveled in for the event,” said Stefanie Palmieri, Vice President of Events at Breeders’ Cup. “We are constantly looking for new ways to provide our fans with the best hospitality and entertainment and we thank Pasadena, Arcadia and all of our partners for providing such unique experiences for our guests.”
The festivities begin on Wednesday, November 2 at Arcadia Night near the Gold Line Plaza (First Ave and Huntington Drive). Kicking off at 5:00 PM, the evening will include live music by Ghost in the Machine, the four-man Sting cover band; signature dishes from some of Los Angeles’ most iconic food trucks including Meat the Greek, Ragin Cajun, Slammin’ Sliders, The Greasy Wiener and Paradise Fine Cookies and Ice Cream; and a cash bar featuring refreshing cocktails provided by Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Maker’s Mark®. The celebration will conclude with the honoring of iconic racehorse Zenyatta with a dedicated star on the Walk of Champions. Additionally, distribution of the 2016 limited-edition Maker’s Mark® Commemorative bottle featuring Zenyatta will take place during the event. This year, all proceeds will go to Old Friends, an organization that provides dignified retirement to Thoroughbreds whose racing and breeding careers have come to an end. Arcadia Night is a free event and open to the public.
“Breeders’ Cup is a truly special weekend for the Arcadia community, and we can’t wait to start the weekend off with Arcadia Night,” said Arcadia Mayor Tom Beck. “Thanks to our wonderful partners, we look forward to celebrating Breeders’ Cup weekend in true Southern California style with the best food, drink, and music.”
On Friday, November 4, Breeders’ Cup and the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau will host Pasadena Fan Fest on the plaza of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. The Spazmatics, a four-piece 80’s cover band, will perform fan favorites, while guests enjoy snacks provided by local food trucks and sip on signature cocktails by Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Maker’s Mark®. Official milliner Christine Moore will be on-site selling fascinators and offering styling tips for guests looking to elevate their look for the final day of racing. Tickets for the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Pasadena Fan Fest are available now and are limited to the first 1,000 purchasers. General admission tickets are $45 each and include two drink tickets. For more information and to buy tickets now visit the Pasadena Fan Fest website.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Breeders’ Cup to Pasadena this November,” said Michael Ross of the Pasadena Center Operating Company. “The Pasadena Fan Fest will be a great way to bring the local community together ahead of the races, and we’re looking forward to showcasing the best that Pasadena has to offer.”
Arcadia Night and Pasadena Fan Fest are part of Breeders’ Cup’s long-term growth strategy to solidify the event as a preeminent lifestyle and entertainment brand offering an unparalleled experience that combines the best horses, jockeys and purses in the sports with world-class hospitality, high-end fashion and luxury entertainment event throughout the Breeders’ Cup World Championship week.
Parking for the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and Pasadena Convention Center is $12 per day for up to 16 hours or $18 per day for in and out privileges. Additional structure and street parking is available surrounding the convention center.