The fun starts with A Knight In Arms, a tribute to the armed forces and local first responders, on Thursday, July 13. Tickets for the event are $25 and include a complimentary cocktail hour from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., a Hoosier specialty dinner, a live performance by Toy Factory, a silent auction, and special guest speakers. The event starts at 5:30 p.m., and tickets are available for purchase by calling (317) 421-0000. All proceeds will benefit Helping Hands for Freedom, K9 for Veterans, Warrior Vodka, Wish for Our Heroes, and Wreaths Across America. Guests who wish to donate $10 or more to these organizations on Thursday, July 13 will receive a complimentary $10 in free slot play.The fun continues with a Royal Feast Fest, featuring royal fare and free live entertainment, will be hosted on Friday, July 14. The Indiana Derby Royal Feast Fest starts at 4 p.m., and will feature royal fare for purchase and free, live entertainment throughout the evening at the race course. Live music will start at 4 p.m. outdoors and include performances by Nick Netherton, Jai Baker, Indiana Grand’s first-ever Grand Voice winner Derrick Williams, and The Devonshires, who will headline the event at 7:30 p.m. Indiana Pacers Lance Stephenson and Joe Young will also make an appearance and host a Kings of the Court basketball shootout against Indiana Grand featured jockeys at 7:30 p.m.
Look for actress and singer Demetria McKinney to perform live at Center Bar in the casino from 8:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with a 30-minute meet-and-greet to follow. The Flying Toasters will perform at Center Bar at 9 p.m., and hip-hop recording artist and actor Ludacris will conduct a public meet-and-greet at 10 p.m. in the third floor mezzanine. All entertainment is free to the public.
Then on Saturday, July 15, A Royal Derby will be highlighted by the running of the Grade III $500,000 Indiana Derby. Look for 2013 Playboy Playmate of the Year, Raquel Pomplun, who will conduct a public meet-and-greet in the casino from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will mingle with Indiana Derby guests throughout the evening.
Later, long-time Indiana University basketball coach and four-time National Coach of the Year, Bob Knight, will be the Indiana Derby Honorary Chairperson. Coach Knight will mingle with Indiana Derby guests and hold a public meet-and-greet from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Always Turned On tent at the race course.
Also, joining the event will be alumni from both the Indianapolis Pacers and Colts that make appearances throughout the day, as well as Indiana Fever alum Tamika Catchings. A 30-minute jockey autograph session will be available to the public at 5:30 p.m., and the 2017 Indiana Derby Queen will be crowned at 8 p.m. in the winner’s circle.
“Each year, our Indiana Derby celebration gets bigger and better. Celebrities and dignitaries from across the country have been invited to celebrate Indiana’s richest horse race with us,” said Elena Lisle, Indiana Grand’s director of marketing. “We invite all fans to come out and mingle with celebrities, enjoy free entertainment, watch extraordinary racing and make new traditions – that is what the Indiana Derby is all about.”
Join The Fun At Indiana Grand Racing & Casino
The racing season continues through Saturday, Oct. 28. Racing will be conducted Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 2:05 p.m. EST with Saturday racing beginning at 6:05 p.m. EST. Thursday racing will be held July 6 through August 24 at 2:05 p.m. EST. For a complete lineup of Indiana Grand racing promotions and events, visit www.indianagrand.com.
