Giddy up, because the highly anticipated Iroquois Steeplechase returns to Percy Warner Park on May 14.
The annual sporting and social event benefitting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt attracts more than 25,000 spectators every year, and serves as Music City’s celebration of time-honored traditions, Tennessee hospitality, and Southern fashions. Over the past 39 years the Iroquois Steeplechase has donated over $11 million to the hospital, and, in addition to its primary beneficiary, the race meet also donates to other charities including the Friends of Warner Parks. Along with raising funds for remarkable local organizations, the Iroquois Steeplechase aims to be an inclusive experience that is both a reflection and a celebration of the Nashville community by welcoming fans of all walks of life.
“It is exciting to bring Nashville’s rite of spring back to its traditional date in 2022,” said Dwight Hall, Chairman of the Iroquois Steeplechase Race Committee. “We are grateful to our community for supporting us the past two years and look forward to continuing our grand tradition of giving back to that same community.”
In honor of one of the city’s oldest and most cherished traditions, we’ve rounded up seven things to know in preparation for the 81st annual race. So, don your most extravagant hat, pour a celebratory Mint Julep, and saddle up, because this year’s Iroquois Steeplechase is sure to be filled with an abundance of excitement, entertainment, and everlasting memories. (iroquoissteeplechase.org)
1. And they’re off!
The 2022 Iroquois Steeplechase is returning to its rightful date on the second Saturday of May. On Saturday, May 14, approximately 25,000 people will descend on Percy Warner Park for a day of racing, parties, community, and some of the season’s best fashion trends.
2. Introducing the Royal 615 Lounge
The Royal 615 Lounge presented by Conrad Nashville is Iroquois Steeplechase’s hottest ticket in 2022. The exclusive lounge will feature DJs, bars with craft cocktails, Nashville Lifestyle’s photo walls, food trucks, and a front-row view of the races. Make the exclusive lounge even more exclusive by buying a VIP ticket. The VIP tickets include roped-off lounge seating for six guests, premium parking, and air-conditioned restrooms to make your experience at Steeplechase perfect.
3. Play to win $100,000
Iroquois Steeplechase is partnering with Action 24/7 for the second year to host the Action 24/7 $100,000 Freeplay Pick 6 Challenge. Enter to win $100,000 by picking your favorite horses to win throughout the day. Visit Action 24/7’s website to make your picks. (action247.com)
4. BYOB or don’t
In 2021, Iroquois Steeplechase debuted the Taverns on the Turf. The Taverns are full-service bars, sponsored by Lipman Brothers, so guests can purchase alcoholic beverages instead of bringing in their coolers. Bringing your own alcohol is still permitted, but glass containers are not allowed.
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5. What to wear
Bring your best spring style! Known as Nashville’s Rite of Spring, the Steeplechase is the first major spring event in the city. What a perfect way to show off the latest trends, bright colors, and the best hats money can buy. All items below are suggestions and not required:
Women: Sundresses paired with decadent hats or fascinators.
Men: Pastel colors, button- down dress shirts and khakis.
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses are highly encouraged for everyone.
6. What to bring
Make sure to bring your tickets, parking pass, and personal identification for entry and purchasing alcohol. Sunscreen, hats, and purses are all permitted. Coolers and alcohol are permitted but not glass bottles.
• Don’t even try it: Pets, propane grills, fireworks, pyrotechnics, and firearms are not allowed.
7. Get in; we’re going shopping
Iroquois Steeplechase is expanding the shopping options into the infield. On the hillside, patrons can shop through luxury brands, enjoy local art galleries, and style a hat for their outfit on race day. In the center field, attendees can enjoy food trucks, hop on the Action 24/7 party bus, get on the jumbotron, and shop with many local vendors.