Oxford Stadium will host an Oxford United inspired race night to launch its Saturday evening schedule in February – and all racegoers who turn up wearing a U’s shirt can get in for FREE!
The Cowley venue’s terraces will be transformed into a sea of yellow on Saturday, February 3, when it hosts its second Gala Race Night of the year with the first of 12 races due off at 6.29pm.
All races will be named after a selection of United legends, present members of club staff and former players will be in attendance plus a special match ball presentation will be made in the Joey Beauchamp Sports Bar ahead of racing.
The fixture will follow United’s highly anticipated League One clash against Thames Valley rivals Reading earlier in the day where Oxford Stadium will be represented as match ball sponsor.
It means United fans will have the chance to meet a number of retired greyhounds ahead of kick-off, with Oxford Speedway also making a special guest appearance at the Kassam Stadium.
Oxford Stadium Managing Director Kevin Boothby hopes to see plenty of United supporters trackside and encouraged those yet to pass through Oxford Stadium’s doors in its new era to get involved.
“We’re really pleased to team up with Oxford United and deliver two top-quality sporting fixtures back-to-back which will provide fun for all the family,” said Kevin.
“The club is making great progress this season in its push to win promotion to the Championship and we’re looking forward to being pitch side for Reading’s visit and engage more people with our greyhound racing and speedway operation.
“It’s exciting to welcome the club trackside for our evening greyhound racing card on the same day too. The club badge will be placed at the heart of our February Gala Race Night and we’re anticipating a big crowd to hopefully celebrate three points for Des Buckingham’s side.”
The Stadium’s Oxford United themed race night follows on from the success of its first gala event of the year on New Year’s Day.
Hundreds of racegoers turned out to watch a 10-race all open card which concluded with a charity mascot race featuring Oxford United’s Olly the Ox, Nobby from Oxford Speedway, Speedway Ben Fund and the Grinch!
It was Ben from the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund who came out on top with Nobby finishing second and the Grinch and Olly the Ox filling the minor places. £205 was raised on the night with an additional £335 pledged online in support of local homing charity Greyhounds Looking For Homes.
Kevin added: “The mascot race was a huge success – and we’ll be looking to run a similar event in the summer.
“Seeing so many first-time racegoers and youngsters trackside enjoying the greyhound racing and our post-meeting charity race started the new year in style and we thank everyone who supported the night.”
Oxford Stadium’s Oxford United themed race night will take place on Saturday, February 3, with doors opening at 5.30pm and the first race off at 6.29pm. Tickets are priced just £5, racegoers who wear an Oxford United shirt on the night can get in for free.
All tickets can be booked by clicking here.
