Racecourses offer more than just a fun day out!

Racecourses offer more than just a fun day out!

First Published: 7th May 2024
There is more to do at a racecourse than simply watch horses run around a track! Although a day at the races is a popular way to celebrate with staff and suppliers, racecourses worldwide offer an exciting mix of space, hospitality, and team-building activities. 
Racecourses make an interesting alternative to a hotel or conference centre and offer ample car parking, transport links, and onsite catering. With the high season being October to April, now is a good time to book for spring/summer availability.

A new hospitality space, The Parade opens at Chester Racecourse

parade at chester race course
Chester Racecourse has 35 separate conference facilities, accommodating between two and 2,000 people. They have recently added a new space called The Parade which is perfect for smaller gatherings. Suitable for 70 guests and located next to the winning line, the Parade is the ultimate choice for fine dining and guest entertaining.
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Cheltenham Racecourse

Cheltnam Racecourse event hire
Cheltenham Racecourse offers superb facilities for conferences, exhibitions, banquets, Christmas parties, and major PR events. With a versatile staging system, professional audiovisual, a large auditorium, and space for 800 guests to enjoy a sit-down dinner, Cheltenham Racecourse venue is ready for every event.
Cheltenham itself has much to commend to visitors. Set in the heart of the Cotswolds, it is the most complete Regency town in the UK boasting impressive heritage and architecture.
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European city chic at Paris Longchamp racecourse 

Paris Longhamp Race Course Venue Hire
If you like the idea of a racecourse but want to be in a city how about Paris?
If you want to keep to a central location but still enjoy something a little different, then the Paris Longchamp racecourse ticks all the boxes. Here, you have the excitement of the racecourse combined with stunning views of Western Paris. With rooms and layouts to suit all occasions, the only problem you might have is getting your delegates to concentrate on what is happening inside whilst being tempted by views of the Eiffel Tower and the surrounding countryside. Ideal for corporate events, festivals, performances, photo/film shoots and fashion shows, you can schedule events from three to 35,000 people.
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For the ultimate grandstand experience head to the UAE

The Meydan Hotel Event Venue
Known for their love of horseracing, the United Arab Emirates has one of the most impressive tracks in the world at Meydan in Dubai. 
The Meydan Hotel has a vast choice of spaces that can be configured to host meetings, events, and team-building activities of all kinds.  From the elegant ballroom to the outdoor terrace with views of the legendary Meydan racecourse, you will be spoilt for choice. 
From golfing, cycling, and tennis to a choice of seven restaurants and 71 multi-purpose breakout rooms the Meydan team will help you customise your ideal setting for effective team building.
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Over in the USA, there is no shortage of horsey options

Churchill Downs in Louisville venue hire
A historic racecourse to consider is Churchill Downs in Louisville, home to the prestigious Kentucky Derby. With over 20 event spaces available on race and non-race days, an event here will stay with your delegates for years to come. 
Fun Fact: The Kentucky Derby, is known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” This race has earned this title because it typically takes just about two minutes for the horses to complete the 1.25-mile track, yet it captivates audiences worldwide with its thrilling and high-stakes atmosphere. If you are hosting an event here, consider what else you need to build into the agenda!
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Leveraging the racecourse experience

Choosing a racecourse as the venue for your next conference, trade show or teambuilding event is the first step to creating something memorable. Incorporating watching some horseracing into your event will provide excitement and fun for staff, suppliers, and customers but bear in mind that an event that includes betting will not appeal to everyone.
You can create exhilarating events by using the surroundings, history, and theme of the venue.
As well as giving delegates a different experience, there are usually interesting displays and memorabilia on show which add to the excitement of being there. Make the most of the surrounding scenery for photographs.
On non-race days, consider how you can make the most of the outdoor spaces as well as the traditional conference rooms and breakout areas.
With planning and a little creativity, a racecourse could be your best bet for a successful event.

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