Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots

About

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots holds a remarkable place in American history as the third-oldest thoroughbred racetrack in the country. Located at 1751 Gentilly Blvd in New Orleans' Gentilly neighborhood, this storied venue has been welcoming visitors since 1872 - over 150 years of continuous operation through wars, hurricanes, and everything in between.

The racing season typically runs from late November through late March, giving visitors months of thrilling live thoroughbred action. Whether you're a seasoned handicapper or a first-time visitor, there's something electric about watching horses thunder down the stretch at a track with this much history. The atmosphere blends old-school charm with modern amenities, and the crowd is a genuine cross-section of New Orleans culture.

Beyond the races, Fair Grounds operates a year-round slot machine gaming facility with hundreds of machines. The venue also features multiple dining options where you can grab a meal or drinks while watching simulcast races from tracks around the country.

Perhaps most famously, Fair Grounds serves as the home of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival each spring. Jazz Fest transforms the infield and surrounding grounds into one of the world's great music and food festivals, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors over two weekends.

For a day at the races, general admission is affordable, making it an accessible outing for families and groups. The facility is owned and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated, the same company behind the Kentucky Derby, so you can expect professional-grade racing and well-maintained facilities.

Getting there is straightforward. The track sits about 15 minutes from the French Quarter, with ample parking on site. Many visitors combine a day at the races with exploring nearby attractions in Gentilly and Mid-City. It's a quintessential New Orleans experience that goes well beyond Bourbon Street.

Accessibility

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots is wheelchair accessible, with ADA-compliant main entrances confirmed by visitor reviews. Accessible parking is available near the entrance, making the transition from car to venue manageable for visitors with mobility challenges.

The main building and gaming floor are designed without steps or stairs at the primary entry points, allowing wheelchair users and those with mobility aids to enter independently. The slot gaming area is located on a single level, which generally allows for easier movement between machines and amenities.

As a facility operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated, Fair Grounds follows standard ADA requirements for public entertainment venues. Private lot parking is available on site, and accessible spaces are positioned close to building entrances.

For visitors attending live racing, seating options and sightlines may vary by section. Some grandstand areas at older tracks can present challenges for wheelchair users, so it's worth calling ahead to ask about specific accessible seating locations with good views of the track.

The venue accepts credit cards throughout, reducing the need to visit ATMs or carry cash. Free Wi-Fi is available on the premises.

For detailed and current information about specific accessibility features - including accessible restrooms, elevator access to upper levels, assistive listening devices, service animal policies, or accommodations during Jazz Fest - contact Fair Grounds directly. Accessibility arrangements during the Jazz & Heritage Festival may differ significantly from regular racing and gaming operations, so check with event organizers separately if you're planning a Jazz Fest visit.

More accessible places in Louisiana

• New Orleans Museum of Art (New Orleans)
• The National WWII Museum (New Orleans)
• The National WWII Museum (New Orleans)
• Audubon Aquarium (New Orleans)
• Louisiana Children's Museum (New Orleans)
• New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint (New Orleans)