Emerald Downs — Attraction in Auburn

Came here for the Fourth of July fireworks show on July 3rd 2018. Have been here for this a few times before, and the show is excellent. Tons of people there too, so it does get crowded. My complaints would be these:

Having the food trucks parked only on the north side of the building is a nightmare when the horses are being put away and they block the walkway for 10-15 minutes. Maybe put some of the trucks on the south side to split the crowds. Also having the stage right in the middle of the food trucks and not having better control of where people set their chairs is a mistake. You end up with no defined walkway, then the best way through to the far end is walking through the stationary crowd at the front of the stage. Better forethought regarding vendor placement and more defined areas for crowd seating outside the stands is desperately needed.

I don't usually visit this place except this one day of the year, so I admit I am not well versed in all the procedures regarding betting on the races. And I'm sure a lot of the guests who come that night are in the same boat as me. So us not knowing that the people manning the betting stands and interior concessions all disappear at 9:30 is a real headache. Not only did I spend a ton of time trying to get food for my kids at the food trucks only to find out after waiting in a ridiculous line that they were out of fries (maybe make a sign!?), but then when I went inside to try to get food and arrived at 9:35 I was told by an employee that the concessions were closed. An announcement over the PA would have been really helpful. If you are going to invite thousands of people in who may never come to your place, telling them that the whole thing shuts down at a certain time would be great. This goes for cashing in betting slips as well. After trying to get food I tried to cash in my slips and everyone on the track level was gone. I was told that I had to go to the 5th floor casino, but was not allowed to use the stairs. This forced me to wait 25 minutes to use the single elevator that goes to the 5th floor. Hate to be blunt but that is idiotic! Then when I finally get upstairs and go to the place I was told to go there is exactly one person working the counter, and about 20 people in line. The cashier of course ran out of money so we waited longer to have a manager come bring more cash. This entire incident was all kinds of stupid and completely avoidable. I heard many in the line saying they felt that this was a tactic to get people to give up on cashing out to save the casino money, and I have to wonder if that is possibly true. Again an announcement that all employees would turn to pumpkins if they did not leave by 9:30 would have been very helpful. So to say this whole experience was frustrating was an understatement. Not to mention that I nearly missed the beginning of the fireworks (my whole reason for being there) while waiting in various lines...

So again the fireworks were excellent as they always are. The rest of the experience could have used some improvement. That is why I give 3 stars instead of 5, though it may be more...

Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington, is a thrilling destination for horse racing enthusiasts and newcomers alike, offering an electrifying experience that’s hard to match. Nestled against the stunning backdrop of Mount Rainier, this premier Thoroughbred racetrack delivers heart-pounding action and a family-friendly atmosphere that makes every visit unforgettable. My day at the 2025 racing season, running from late April to September, was nothing short of spectacular.

The moment you step onto the grounds, the energy is palpable. The grandstand, designed by EwingCole, is modern and inviting, with pristine facilities and a variety of seating options. I opted for general admission at just $10, which granted access to the first five levels, including the vibrant paddock area where I watched majestic horses being saddled and jockeys preparing for the post parade. The view from the rail was exhilarating—feeling the ground shake as the horses thundered past was a highlight I’ll never forget. For those seeking a premium experience, the third-floor box seats or fifth-floor Rainier Dining tables with QR-code food ordering add a touch of luxury.

The racing itself is top-notch, with 8 to 10 races per day on weekends, showcasing incredible equine talent. The Longacres Mile Handicap, the track’s signature Grade III event, is a must-see, but even the daily races kept me on the edge of my seat. Betting was a breeze, with clear instructions for beginners and friendly tellers at the pari-mutuel windows. I placed a $2 bet on a whim and cheered wildly as my horse crossed the finish line, making even a small win feel like a triumph. The simulcast center on the fifth floor also offers year-round wagering on races nationwide, perfect for avid fans.

What sets Emerald Downs apart is its commitment to creating a welcoming, family-oriented environment. The grassy park area offers free children’s activities on weekends, and the Corgi World Championship Races were an absolute delight, drawing laughs and cheers from the crowd. Food options are plentiful, from the delicious Quarter Chute Café to food trucks and shaved ice stands. I savored a late breakfast at the café and cooled off with creamy ice cream—both were spot-on. The cashless concessions were convenient, and the variety ensured everyone in my group found something to love.

The staff’s enthusiasm and professionalism elevated the experience further. From security to the handicapping center, everyone was eager to help, making navigation and betting seamless for a first-timer like me. The track’s dedication to horse welfare also impressed me, with the state-of-the-art Morris J. Alhadeff Equine Hospital ensuring top care for the athletes. Add in the clean grounds, spectacular views, and special events like the Fireworks Spectacular, and it’s clear why Emerald Downs is a Pacific Northwest gem.

Emerald Downs is more than a racetrack—it’s a celebration of speed, community, and the beauty of Thoroughbred racing. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just looking for a fun day out, this track delivers an unmatched experience. I’m already counting down to...

We attended the races on the last day of the season this year. Here's the pros and cons of our experience. First, the food selection was disappointing to say the least. I was under the false impression that they had upscale dining there, however, it was more like concession stand food, but worse - bleh! Second, it was my first time going to the races, so I had no idea how to place bets or what any of the betting lingo meant. They should have written instructions and explanations of betting terms in the racing brochure, and next to the betting machines at the very least. There was one live teller taking bets, otherwise, it was automated machines, again, with no instructions on how to use them. Since I didn't know the layout of the seating, etc, I purchased box seats to assure we had a good view of the track. That was a big waste of money. No one ever checked our tickets and most of the boxes were empty. Each box has four cramped seats and an outdated tv-like screen - all of which were dirty/dusty. I assumed the screens were for placing bets - wrong again. I had to walk quite a ways between every race to place a bet. It would've been a lot more convenient if those were touch screens where you could place your bets and order food/drinks to be delivered to your box - it seems logical. There was a tiny sliver of a place to put your food and drinks and no one came around to collect your garbage. Enough about the negatives. Here's the pros of Emerald Downs... despite the extremely cramped, dirty, inconveniently outdated, overpriced box seats, my kids really liked having their own little space to hang out. Despite having to walk a mile to get a drink, the drinks were shockingly descent, not overpriced, and the bartender was very personable. The women's bathrooms were pretty much empty, so no lines or smelly smells. The races were exciting, especially towards the end of each one. Further, it was interesting to watch the actual process of what they do before and after each race. It was also entertaining to watch the horses refuse to enter the gates - they had a designated crew just to persuade or literally push the horses into the gates. Sometimes they'd kick up their back legs and almost kick the guys. The kids liked helping me pick out the winning horses (based solely on which ones had the best names). I won almost every race, so that made it alot more fun and exciting. You can place very small bets like $2, $3, or $4. I ended up leaving there with more money then I came with. Despite the fact that the majority of people there were regulars, and/or between the ages of 60 and 90, it's surprisingly family friendly. All in all, we had a good time, and will most likely go again...