Tips for Choosing the Best Seat at Pakenham Races
Pakenham is a relatively new track in Victoria. Since moving to its Tynong location in 2015, it has become famous for its twilight and night racing under lights. With a mix of feature events, community race days and plenty of weekend action, it’s the kind of track that suits just about everyone. For those heading to Pakenham for the first time, one of the biggest decisions you need to make is choosing where to sit.
What are your options?
Regarding seating options at Pakenham, the racecourse doesn’t disappoint. You can choose between the grandstands, lawn, members', or dining areas. That said, some of these areas do require special access. Here’s a closer look at where you can choose to sit when you go to the Pakenham races:
- The Grandstand
The grandstands are always a safe choice, especially if it’s your first time at Pakenham. You’ll get a perfect view of the home straight and the winning post so that you won’t miss the exciting finishes.
The seats are undercover, so you don’t have to worry about the sun or rain, and you’ll be close to betting facilities, bars and food outlets. It’s also where most of the crowd is, so the atmosphere is always buzzing. If you’re unsure where to start, the grandstand gives you the traditional race day experience with all the essentials right at hand.
- The Lawn
For families, the lawn is also a great area to find a place to sit. It provides space for the kids to run around, and can help you feel a little closer to all the action. You can bring a picnic rug, grab a drink and enjoy the day at your own pace. On big nights like the Pakenham Cup, the lawn comes alive with food trucks, live music and social crowds, making it one of the most exciting spots on the course. Choose the lawn for a relaxed, social day without being tied to a seat.
If you are going to sit on the lawn, bring a sun umbrella, or at least a hat and some sunscreen, because if you’re watching an afternoon race, you’ve probably signed up for a long day out in the sun.
- The members area
The members' area is a good option if you prefer something more exclusive. It’s less crowded and gives you access to private lounges, bars and premium viewing areas. Membership is required, or you’ll need a guest pass, but the benefits are worth it if you plan to go to the races often.
You’ll get a more comfortable sitting spot, easier access to facilities and a chance to enjoy the racing in style. It’s also where you’ll find plenty of racing enthusiasts who love talking about form and horses, making it great to immerse yourself in the racing culture.
- The dining room
Another area that may interest you is the dining room. Although you might not spend your whole time here, it’s a great place to find a seat, enjoy a meal or a drink, and enjoy a lovely panoramic view of the entire course.
These areas are perfect if you want to settle in and enjoy a whole night out. Hospitality packages often include food and drinks, which is great for groups or work functions. You won’t need to move around much because everything you need is there. Choose dining if you want a comfortable seat, great food and a stress-free way to enjoy the races.
- The finish
If you’re there for the atmosphere, waiting at the finish for the horses as they cross the line is as exciting as it gets! While this isn’t necessarily a place to sit, it puts you in the middle of the action. You’ll feel the crowd's excitement, especially during close photo finishes. The only catch is that it gets crowded, particularly on big race nights.
- The parade ring
While it’s not somewhere you’ll sit all day, the parade ring and mounting yard are must-visit spots. This is where the horses are saddled and paraded before each race. Spending a few minutes here before placing your bet allows you to check how the horses look and behave. Some punters base their betting decisions on what they see in the yard, which can be fun and valuable.
Learn more about Pakenham here
Aside from finding the right place to sit, you should know a lot more about the Pakenham races before you attend one. To learn more about the upcoming races at Pakenham, check out the Ladbrokes website. Whether you’re looking for race dates, the odds, the line-up, or how the track will play and the weather conditions, you can find it here.
Final thoughts
Choosing where to sit at Pakenham depends on what race day you’re after. The grandstand offers great views and convenience, the lawn is social and relaxed, the members' area is exclusive, the dining rooms provide comfort, and the winning post is all about atmosphere.
You'll quickly find your favourite if you move around a bit and try different spots. That’s the beauty of Pakenham. With so many options, it’s easy to tailor the day to suit your style, whether you’re there for a punt, the social side, or just the thrill of live racing.
