Note: This is not the official Web site for Emerald Downs. These pages are adapted from a special section published in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer in May 1996. They remain on our server for purposes of historical record only and there are no plans to update them.

BACK ON TRACK: An online guide to Emerald Downs
THE COURSE
  • Getting there
  • The grounds
  • The grandstand
  • Racing calendar
  • The top brass
  • A new voice
    A RACING
    PRIMER
  • Glossary
  • Betting options
  • Daily Racing Form
  • Number by colors
    STORIES
  • Contest of survival
  • Opening Day
  • Art Thiel's column
  • The Downs dream
  • Ron Crockett profile
  • Info Age race track
  • Longacres Mile lives
  • Families reunited
  • The competition
  • Cover
  • P-I home page
    • Emerald Downs: Facts and figures

    Location: Auburn, Wash., south of Seattle, by the 15th St. N.W. exit off Highway 167. [See map and directions]

    Season: 100 racing days, June 20 through November 4.

    Racing days, hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

    Post times: Thursday, Friday, Monday, 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and holidays, 1 p.m.

    Site: 167 acres.

    Grandstand: Six-story building, 241,000 square feet. Reserved seating: clubhouse, boxes and grandstand, 4,000; outdoor boxes and grandstand, 1,885.

    Racing surface: One-mile dirt oval with chutes for races from 6 1/2 furlongs to 1 1/4 miles. (Turf course planned for infield area).

    Paddock: Located north of grandstand, with view from all levels of the main structure, open spectator area, a showcase with shrubs, grass and brick pavers.

    Winner's circle: At track level near the finish line, situated so Mount Rainier will be in the background of photos of winning horses.

    Stable area: 11 barns, each with 116 stalls, total of 1,276 stalls; administration building includes Washington Horse Racing Commission office, Emerald Downs racing office, cafe; maintenance building, veterinary clinic, test barn.

    Television: Choice viewing of racing action, handicapping features and other major events will be available on 567 monitors in all corners of the racetrack.

    Night racing: Lighting system will allow racing under the lights as scheduled.

    Parking: 5,363 stalls. 128-passenger tram and two buses will serve parking lots.

    Parking fees: General, free; preferred $3; valet $5.

    Transportation: Metro bus service on weekends and holidays. Special service for opening week. Call Metro, 553-3000 or (800) 542-7876.

    Admission fees: General admission $3, grandstand reserved $5, grandstand box $8, clubhouse $5, clubhouse reserved $7.50, clubhouse box $10.

    Information: Call (206) 931-8400.

    Send comments to webmaster@seattle-pi.com
    © 1996 Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    The Hearst Corporation
    All Rights Reserved