Iroquois Steeplechase
A Look at What’s New and Happening at the 73rd Running of the Iroquois Steeplechase
May 10 marks the 73rd running of the Iroquois Steeplechase. Often referred to as Nashville’s rite of spring, the Iroquois is one of the richest races on the spring circuit and attracts more than 25,000 attendees. Every year, race organizers and sponsors work to make it a jam-packed day of fun. With a few new attractions, this year is no exception.
What’s New at the Iroquois Race?
This year, steeplechasers can look forward to these new race day additions:
• Tents in the Turn: Located rail-side in The Meadows area, these private patio spaces offer race goers a view of the final stretch. Each tent in Tents in the Turn comes outfitted with a spacious patio area as well as tables, linens and chairs. Guests can choose to have their tent catered or bring a picnic of their own. This premier new area serves as the perfect entertaining space, whether it’s for friends and family or business associates. The tents can accommodate 30 to 140 guests and range in price from $3,000 to $10,000.
• Skybox Suites: For those looking to steeplechase in style, the Skybox Suites offer a phenomenal panoramic view of the track from a private, elevated luxury suite and covered deck. Each suite includes air conditioning, hardwood floors, granite countertops, wet bars, a private bathroom, TVs and more. These luxury suites are selling fast. For more information, contact GeorgeAnn Dingus at georgeanndingus@iroquoissteeplechase.org.
• Alumni Row: The premier place for alumni to show their school spirit and compete for the “Best Alumni Tailgate,” Alumni Row offers easy access to various tailgating areas throughout the park and an easy access to view the race. Situated in The Meadows area, Alumni Row is the place for a little friendly tailgating rivalry among some of Nashville’s biggest alumni associations. Alumni groups will show off their tailgating skills to win the “Best Alumni Tailgate” competition—the winner gest a FREE tailgating package for 2015. The Alumni Row tailgating package is priced at $600 and includes armbands for 10 guests with the ability to add up to 10 additional guests for $85 per person. For more information, contact Iroquois Executive Director Libby Cheek at 615-591-2991 or email info@iroquoissteeplechase.org.
• Shoppes at Vendor Village: This year race patrons will have the opportunity to shop steeplechase styles on race day in the new Vendor Village, a tented retail shopping experience. Located in the Hospitality Village area, Vendor Village will offer the perfect fix for those last minute outfit touches.
What’s Not So New, but Still Fresh?
• Family Area and Tailgating Section: New to the Iroquois last year, the Family Area offers every member of the family a chance to enjoy race day. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Family Area will offer FREE games and activities for kids 12 and under who are accompanied by a parent. Families can also purchase a tailgating spot in this area. The family tailgating package is priced at $550.
• Steeplechase Keeps It Social: Get updates and share your race day photos with steeplechase using the hashtag #TNSteeplechase on Twitter and Instagram. The Iroquois social media team will feature and mention those who interact with this hashtag on race day. Also, make sure to follow @TNSteeplechase on Twitter and Instagram.
• VIP Comfort Stations: More climate-controlled facilities with flush toilets, running water and full-length mirrors for midday appearance adjustments will be added throughout the grounds this year. VIP Comfort Station wristbands will be sold on race day at the Comfort Stations for cash only. An armband with five visits costs $20—or a single visit is $5.
What’s Happening Before the Iroquois Race?
• Golf Tournament: Great golf for a good cause—what could be better? The Iroquois Steeplechase will host a golf tournament at Hillwood Country Club on April 14. Dr. Gregory Mencio, one of this year’s honorary co-chairs, and Michael Stanley, 2014 child ambassador, will kick off the event at noon. Lunch provided by Maggiano’s, complimentary beverages and an awards dinner following the tournament will make for a great day on the course. Those interested can purchase individual tickets for $325 or foursomes for $1,300.
• Iroquois Steeplechase LookBook Fashion Show: On April 17 at 5 p.m., the fourth annual Iroquois Steeplechase LookBook Fashion Show takes place at Hillwood Country Club in Nashville. The fashion show debuts the trendiest spring wear featured in the LookBook, the official steeplechase style guide. Visit www.iroquoissteeplechase.org/fashion-show for more information and to purchase an individual ticket for $100 or a table of 10 for $1,000.
• Shopping Day: Held on April 26, Steeplechase Shopping Day is a great opportunity to find the perfect spring ensemble while supporting a great cause. Participating stores will donate 10 percent of the day’s profits to the Iroquois Steeplechase. Stores include Absolution, Digs Interiors, Elaine Turner, vineyard vines, Judith Bright, Leona, Serendipity, Wags & Whiskers, Emerson Grace and Cadeau Nashville.
• Silent Auction: Race fans can bring a piece of the Iroquois home with them this year with the Iroquois Steeplechase Silent Auction. Live on the Iroquois website, visitors can place their bids now through May 12 at 5 p.m. Two items are up for auction—an antique Persian Mahal rug from the Nashville Rug Gallery, valued at $15,000, and the 2014 Featured Artist’s painting “Home Stretch,” valued at $12,500.
For more information about the Iroquois, visit www.iroquoissteeplechase.org or call 1-800-619-4802.
About the Iroquois Steeplechase
Held on the second Saturday of every May at Nashville’s Percy Warner Park, the Iroquois Steeplechase is the premier spring race in American steeplechasing and Music City’s traditional rite of spring – typically attracting more than 25,000 spectators. Since being designated in 1981 as the official charity of the Iroquois Steeplechase, the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt has received nearly $10 million from the event proceeds. For information on advance ticket purchases, corporate and hospitality tents, and tailgating and RV spaces, visit www.iroquoissteeplechase.org or call (615) 591-2991.
