Media Policies

Tampa Bay Downs is extremely pleased to have you with us for our 98th anniversary season of Thoroughbred racing. Outlined below are guidelines to assist your coverage of the current meeting that commenced on July 1, 2023 and resumed on Nov. 22:

1. In order to gain access to the stable area, all media MUST have prior approval and the proper credentials. These credentials are available in the Publicity Office, and media members are required to wear their Press ID at all times.

2. All photographers MUST check in with the Track Photographer, Stephanie Valenti, Ext. 1246. Valenti will issue credentials to all photographers, as well as offer advice on good locations from which to shoot, both on the front side and the stable area. These credentials are mandatory in order to shoot from the area adjacent to the track surface; publication credentials alone will not suffice. Valenti’s office is located on the lower level of the Grandstand adjacent to the State Licensing Office.

3. Phone lines are available in the Press Box for those who need to file their stories electronically. If any other special needs exist, please contact the Publicity Office, Ext. 1368. Tampa Bay Downs provides free wireless access throughout the facility.

4. The Press Box is located on the fourth floor of the Grandstand.

5. Photography is NOT permitted in the Grandstand or Clubhouse Mutuel areas at any time without prior permission of Track Management.

6. On March 9, 2024 (Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby Day), winning owners, trainers and jockeys will be taken to the V.I.P. Room for interviews immediately after the presentation in the winner’s circle.

7. Parking for all credentialed media will be in the Horsemen’s Parking Lot, north of the Grandstand. For further information or questions, contact Margo Flynn in the Publicity Office at Tampa Bay Downs at 813-855-4401, Ext. 1368 or mjflynn@tampabaydowns.com