Turf Paradise
- Meg Minard
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Meg Minard, Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00
Turf Paradise 1501 W Bell Rd Phoenix, AZ 85023
Year Opened: 1956
Live Racing Phoenix
Turf Paradise, a live horse race track in the northern part of Phoenix, AZ, is a fun way to spend an afternoon and lose (or win) some money. The track offers live racing from November to early May, Mondays through Thursdays, with races generally one Saturday per month. It also offers Off-Track Betting year-round with races simulcast on monitors, and kiosks ready to take your money.
Turf Paradise opened its doors in January 1956 and claims to be the first organized professional sports franchise in Arizona. I suspect some of baseball’s Cactus League aficionados would disagree, but maybe spring training wasn’t organized when it first started in AZ in 1947.
Watching some live races is exciting and something a bit different to do when visiting Arizona.
Food & Beverage 2
.Although the website notes several food options at the track, I found them somewhat difficult to locate during my visit. The upstairs clubhouse offers table service, with each table equipped with its own TV for watching the races. Guests can order directly from the menu and have food and drinks delivered, though a $5 service fee is added to the bill. Alternatively, you can head to the bar near the betting machines to order and carry items elsewhere on the property.
On the ground level, before exiting to the outdoor grandstand, the Triple Crown Grill serves cookies, chips, candy, bottled soft drinks, water, beer, and other beverages priced between $2 and $8. Outside, two tiki bars with shaded seating are set up in front of the grandstand bleachers, and they’re especially popular with racegoers.
Overall, dining options are limited, so I recommend planning to eat before or after your visit to the track.
Atmosphere 4
Turf Paradise is a fantastic spot to people-watch, soak up the warm Arizona sunshine, and feel the thrill of live horse racing.
On a typical day, you’ll see 8 or 9 races of varying lengths, each lasting about 1 to 5 minutes. The track features both dirt and turf surfaces, with trucks shifting the starting gates depending on the race distance—anywhere from 300 yards to a full mile. Arrive early and you can watch the grounds crew meticulously prepare the track: raking, watering, and raking again to ensure perfect conditions.
The announcer’s clear, engaging voice keeps fans informed, calling out scratches, noting overweight horses, and offering insights on the contenders in each race.
Seating options range from indoor to outdoor. Indoors, you’ll find the air-conditioned clubhouse with food service, as well as a large auditorium-style space with tablet armchairs. Outdoors, there are bleachers, picnic tables and benches near the tiki bars, and plenty of open areas to relax.
While the interior spaces show some wear, the outdoor grounds are striking—lined with beautiful trees, freshly painted signage and gates, and colorful flowers and greenery around the stables and winner’s circle. Visitors can get remarkably close to the horses as they’re led around, or stand right at the fence to catch the action. The pounding of hooves as the horses thunder toward the finish line is a remarkable experience.
Neighborhood 3
The race track is located in north Phoenix, about 20 miles from downtown. It sits along Bell Road, a busy corridor lined with plenty of dining and drinking options a few miles east or west.
Right across Bell Road, you’ll find familiar fast-food chains such as McDonald’s, Long John Silver’s, Schlotzsky’s, Filiberto’s, and more. For a taste of local flavor, Bobby-Q BBQ Restaurant—renowned for its ribs, brisket, and steaks—is a standout choice nearby. If you’re craving authentic Mexican cuisine, Los Reyes de la Torta is an excellent pick just 1.5 miles away. Beer enthusiasts will appreciate Lake Pleasant Brewing Company, a local independent brewery three miles north of Turf Paradise.
For accommodations, several budget-friendly hotels—including Comfort Inn, Red Roof Inn, and Motel 6—are conveniently located just over a mile away at the intersection of I-17 and Bell Road. Mid-range and upscale options can be found a little farther out.
Sports fans will find plenty to enjoy within a 30-minute drive during horse racing season. The NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, MLB spring training facilities for the Brewers, Mariners, and Padres, and the NBA’s Phoenix Suns are all within easy reach. Grand Canyon University, about 20 minutes south, also offers men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, and baseball, depending on the season.
Golfers will appreciate the abundance of courses within five miles of Turf Paradise, with Cave Creek Golf Course being the closest. And for a cultural highlight, the highly acclaimed Musical Instrument Museum lies just 20 minutes east of the track.
Fans 2
At Turf Paradise, you’ll find every kind of horse racing fan. Some know the horses and jockeys and follow their racing trends. Others come for the fun of a group outing or special event. You’ll see seasoned bettors alongside newcomers eager to try their luck. It’s easy to strike up a conversation with other attendees.
The excitement peaks as spectators cheer while the horses charge toward the finish line. Crowds are fuller on Saturdays, while weekday races offer a more relaxed atmosphere.
Access 3
Getting to Turf Paradise is straightforward by car—it’s located about a mile east of I‑17 and two miles south of Loop 101. The drive from Sky Harbor Airport takes roughly 20–30 minutes. Public transportation is available via bus route 19; exit at 19th Avenue and Bell Road, then walk about 0.3 miles. Valley Metro provides fare and schedule details at https://www.valleymetro.org. Ride‑share options like Uber and Lyft are also widely available in Phoenix.
A large, free parking lot sits next to the grandstand along the northwest side, and the track has two entrances. Note that both the indoor and outdoor seating areas lack handrails, which may pose challenges for those needing support on stairs. Designated accessible seating is available inside, and the approach from the parking lot to the outdoor viewing area is level and accessible.
The paddock viewing area is busiest during the first few races, but crowds thin out as the day progresses. Weekday races generally offer a more relaxed, spacious atmosphere.
Restrooms are dated but kept clean. They are functional, though not likely to impress more particular visitors.
Return on Investment 5
For just $5, guests can enjoy multiple, exciting horse races. Programs are available for $3 and add extra value to the experience. Beyond the races themselves, visitors can see the horses up close before they compete and share in the post‑race excitement at the winner’s circle. Of course, your betting results may affect your perception of the overall value.
Extras 2
I recommend picking up a program—it helps track bets, make notes, and gather race details. The track also provides a ‘How to Bet’ pamphlet, a great resource for newcomers. Staff members are friendly and make you feel genuinely welcome, and want to return.
Final Thoughts
From fall through spring, Turf Paradise delivers early afternoon racing excitement in Phoenix. Guests can enjoy the thrill of live horse races, the paddock, and winner’s circle celebrations—all at an affordable price, with the chance to leave a winner.
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