MEXICAN CHILL
Bartenders to compete in michelada contest at The Downs
Ten bartenders from around Albuquerque will battle it out to see who makes the best michelada on Saturday, Aug. 3, at The Downs Racetrack and Casino.
The first annual Estrella Jalisco Michelada contest will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. inside the First Turn Lounge. Bartenders will put a spin on this popular drink made with Mexican beer, in this case Estrella Jalisco, lime juice, tomato-based juice and chile. It is served in a chilled glass rimmed with salt. Guests can register to win Lynyrd Skynyrd concert tickets, a trip to watch Team Mexico — a professional soccer team — or Ticketmaster cash cards.
The First Turn Lounge has plenty planned this month. Celebrate everything ’90s from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Aug. 31 during the ’90s House Party. Dance and watch the best music videos, film clips and more from the decade.
In the meantime, the First Turn Lounge will host live entertainment every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Party tonight and Saturday, Aug. 3, with Black Pearl, Northern Revolution on Aug. 8, Fat City on Aug. 9 and 10, Westwind Band on Aug. 15, Gonzalo on Aug. 16 and 17, Str8 Shot on Aug. 22, Tequila Rain on Aug. 23 and 24, Sangre Joven on Aug. 29, and DJ Mister E on Aug. 30.
Watch and wager on live horse racing four days a week through Sept. 22. First post is 6:05 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 1:30 p.m. Sundays.
On the gambling floor, the casino is
hosting the “$27,000 Cash Weekends” promotion on Saturdays and Sundays. Guests have a chance to win their share of $3,000 cash at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in August. There will be three winners selected during each drawing who will receive each $200 in cash. Play your favorite slot game to qualify.
During the week, it is time for the “$125,000 Roll To Win” promotion. Three winners will be selected at noon, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 p.m. each Monday through Friday this month. Chosen patrons can win up to $500 each by rolling oversized dice.
Earn five times the points every Wednesday in August. Triple Crown Player’s Club members with August birthdays can earn three times the points on their birthday and two times the points every Tuesday in August.
Active and retired military members and their spouses can win free play when they register at the Players Club with their active or retired military ID. Every Tuesday, earn one point and automatically a virtual game will appear on their machine to play through and win from $5 to $25 in free play.
Guests also have a chance to win free play during the “Instant Hit” promotion on Wednesdays. There will be 15 “Instant Hit” drawings every Wednesday. Players qualify by earning 25 base points within the 30 minutes before each drawing. All prizes are free play and have to be used within 48 hours of a win. Sixty winners will be selected each promotional day.
The “Early Bird” promotion continues every Thursday. Arrive early to be part of the fun. Players qualify by earning 50 base points. A bonus wheel will appear on their game to win between $5 and $500 in free play. The promotion ends when a total of $500 is awarded.
New Triple Crown Player’s Club members can win up to $500 in free play. New members who earn just 15 base points on the same day they enrolled have a chance to win the free slot play.
For more information on all of the fun happenings at The Downs, call 767-7171 or visit abqdowns.com.