Race Tracks > Texas Race Tracks > Retama Park
Retama Park
Retama Park, which opened for racing in April, 1995, is graced with a beautiful, mission-style five-level grandstand.
The ground floor (Track level) is an open-air level with beautiful arched entranceways, and a variety of food courts which are open during live racing. (During the winter months, this level is enclosed.)
The next floor (Grandstand level) plays host to the track's many simulcast fans who come year-round to watch and wager on great races from tracks around the country. Much of this level is enclosed and air-conditioned; however, the seating areas and box seats are covered and open-air, right up close to the racetrack action. Food courts are also available on this floor; one is always open during simulcasting hours.
Sandwiched between the Grandstand and Clubhouse levels is the Administration Level where much of the Retama Park staff have offices.
The Clubhouse level is completely enclosed and air-conditioned. Along with several food courts, the Clubhouse level contains a lovely public restaurant, the Terrace Dining Room, the Race Book and Sports Bar, and the new Player's Club (for Turf and Field Club members).
On the top floor, the Press Box level, is a large, beautiful suite for the private Turf and Field Club. A press box and rooms for Daily Racing Form and Equibase staff are also found on this level. The announcer, stewards and placing judges are found during live racing on a mini sixth level.
What's a Retama?
A Retama is a green-limbed deciduous (sheds leaves annually) small tree or shrub which can grow to 35 feet. Its many branches are formidably armed with needle-sharp, recurved thorns, and are adorned by fragrant flowers with bright yellow petals. The tree is native to South and West Texas.
The Retama tree has the reputation of being attractive and aggressive. With its heavy golden bloom and strange long leaves, it is a handsome tree, but thorny and hard to get rid of.
