There’s A Lot New at The 2011 Iroquois Steeplechase
New volunteer organization, new art auction, new concert, new raffle and more – including the much-anticipated VIP Comfort Stations
NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 18, 2011– In honor of the Iroquois Steeplechase’s 70th anniversary, fans can expect new pre-event activities and race day additions.
One recent addition is the formation of the Iroquois Alliance, a new volunteer support group led by Deborah Lovett. This group meets three times throughout the year at various events, such as the Iroquois Young Professional Mixer previously held in March and Iroquois Alliance Fall Event to be held in September at Belle Meade Plantation.
Keeping in step with Steeplechase tradition, the second annual Jockey Club party, hosted on May 13, will kick off Steeplechase and will host its first concert at the party featuring country music duo Joey+Rory.
More local celebrities and artists are joining Steeplechase this year through the Iroquois Horse Art Online Auction. Artists and celebrities will create and interpret centerpiece-size wooden horses that will be sold online May 1 through May 13.
Additionally, Steeplechasers can look for new additions on race day. Some of the latest things to be added are:
- VIP Comfort Stations—Climate-controlled facilities with flush toilets, running water and full-length mirrors for midday appearance adjustments will be located in three areas of the infield. In order to avoid overcrowding, VIP Station wristbands are being sold for $15 in advance and $20 on race day. Wristbands are limited, and can be purchased with cash only on race day.
- Shoppes at Iroquois Village—Shopping booths will be selling clothing, art, jewelry and various equestrian-themed items under a large tent near the Hospitality Village.
- Paparazzi Pavilion—Photo booths in the infield and near the box seats will be stocked with festive hats, race apparel and fun backdrops for guests to commemorate their day with a staged photo for just $5. Photos will be printed on site and can be purchased using cash only.
Lastly, the Meadows Tailgating Raffle has been added to give guests a chance to win a tailgating spot in one of the most sought-after areas for the 2012 races. This spot is located in the first turn and will be the largest tailgating space at the race—featuring a 20’ x 27’ spot instead of the normal 13’x 18’ spot. Raffle tickets are being sold online for $50 and at pre-race events.
For more information about what’s new with Steeplechase, contact Libby Cheek at 615-591-2991 or visit the Iroquois Steeplechase website at www.iroquoissteeplechase.org.
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 more than $9 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.
About the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
The Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt is a leader in pediatric care, ranked as one of the best children's hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and 15th in the nation by Parents magazine. The Children's Hospital provides 222 beds for the highest level of pediatric care and is also a top-level teaching and research facility. Children's Hospital features Centers of Excellence for the treatment of diabetes and congenital heart disorders and offers services for cancer, organ and bone marrow transplants, level 1 pediatric trauma, treatment for developmental disorders and the highest designated level NICU in the state.
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Jeff Bradford/Natalie Townsend, the Bradford Group, 615.515.4888, info@bradfordgrp.com