Tampa 2016

[Rudeboyelvis]

I'm obviously biased but I've been to both (LA Derby last year - First time at Fairgrounds) and there is no contest as far as the on track experience.

TBD is cleaner, more accessible, and an overall more pleasant place in my opinion.

FG doesn't have boxes outside - they just have some metal bleachers. The grandstand is enclosed and really old and run down. You can go to the clubhouse at the top but it is so high that you really don't get much of a perspective of the race (It is literally built on the space of a city block - the turns are very tight, the track apron is short and the grandstand is completely vertical, so the clubhouse seating is like 5 stories directly above the track)

The plus sides - New Orleans kicks the crap out of Tampa for nightlife & cuisine. Also if you're into playing slots there is one of those slot casinos attached to the track.

Tampa for the trackside experience (second only to Arlington Park in my opinion), pleasant weather, (normally - last year was a fluke), poker, golf, beaches & strip bars