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Birmingham Race Course Tickets
- Location
- Mutuel Wagering, Si
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Upcoming Events at Birmingham Race Course
The venue
About Birmingham Race Course
Welcome to Birmingham Race Course, a now primarily pari-mutuel wagering and historical horse racing venue located at 1000 John Rogers Dr, Irondale, AL 35210. Opened with a storied history in 1987 and currently operated by Wind Creek Hospitality, the facility continues to host simulcast racing and electronic historical horse racing. While live horse racing and live greyhound racing have paused, the venue remains a hub for enthusiasts seeking action, atmosphere, and convenient access near Birmingham.
We’ve got you covered with practical details on seating, parking, getting there, and nearby lodging and dining options. Whether you’re planning a casual night out or a larger event, you can secure your seats and plan ahead with confidence.
Seating at Birmingham Race Course reflects the venue’s rich history with dedicated dining and viewing areas. The club-style spirit lives on in multiple seating options: The Ascot (approximately 800 seats) and The Doncaster (approximately 1,000 seats in a casual grill setting), plus the Ascot Dining Room (about 500 seats). These spaces accommodate diverse preferences—from comfortable public viewing to more upscale dining experiences. Capacity is supported by a grandstand that accommodates roughly 20,000 guests, with ample paved parking (about 6,500 spaces) and overflow areas for busier dates.
Parking & Transportation — Expect ample, paved parking and on-site staff to guide you. For event-related travel, MAX Transit shuttles offer convenient service to Central Station, helping you minimize driving and maximize your time inside the venue. The racetrack sits near I-459, making it accessible from Birmingham and surrounding areas by car.
Nearby Hotels & Dining — A range of lodging options are within 5–15 miles of the venue, including Comfort Inn Irondale, Red Roof Inn East Irondale, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Irondale. For dining, you’ll find casual eats and local favorites nearby, plus on-site dining options that reflect the venue’s historic atmosphere. We highlight affiliate-friendly hotels and restaurants to simplify your plans and maximize value for a comfortable stay near the action.
For performers, events, and schedules, we provide trusted, up-to-date details and direct links to official social media and websites. We’ve got you covered with straightforward, no-nonsense booking to secure your seats at Birmingham Race Course.
Good to know
Seating, Parking & Venue Information
- Location/address: 1000 John Rogers Dr, Irondale, AL 35210 (Birmingham Race Course).
- Venue type and current operations: pari-mutuel wagering facility with simulcast racing and electronic 'historical horse racing'; no live horse racing since 1995, no live greyhound racing since 2020.
- Capacity and parking: grandstand capacity ~20,000; about 6,500 paved parking spaces plus overflow areas.
- Seating/chart details: clubhouse seating with multiple dining rooms—The Ascot (800-seat), The Doncaster (1,000-seat casual grill), and Ascot Dining Room (500-seat); these reflect historical layout.
- Notable events: opened with the Birmingham Inaugural Stakes in 1987; Alabama Derby first contested on April 11, 1987; Guns N' Roses performed June 30, 1991 at the track.
- Ownership/renaming: Wind Creek Hospitality (Poarch Band of Creek Indians) completed purchase in April 2025; expansion planned, no formal renaming announced as of early 2025.
- Transit and access: located near I-459; transit optionsInclude MAX Transit shuttles for event-related travel (e.g., to Central Station).
- Nearby hotels: several options within 5–15 miles (e.g., Comfort Inn Irondale, Red Roof Inn East Irondale, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Irondale).