Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie will host its 11th annual National Anthem auditions on Tuesday, Feb. 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. (weather permitting). Soloists, duos, groups, choirs and instrumentalists are invited to tryout for a chance to sing the National Anthem during one of Lone Star Park's 99 live racing dates in 2007.

The auditions will be held outdoors in close proximity to the winner's circle, and performers will be shown and recorded on the racetrack's infield JumboTron. Hopefuls will have two minutes to perform their version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" - a cappella for vocalists - and will be judged by Lone Star Park officials.

Walkups are welcome, but performers are encouraged to reserve an appointment by calling Lone Star Park at (972) 263-RACE.

With 99 live dates in 2007 - 67 during the Spring Thoroughbred Season that runs April 12-July 29 and 32 during the Fall Meeting of Champions for American Quarter Horses from Oct. 5-Dec. 1 - there are potentially 99 spots available. Well over 100 performers have turned out in recent years with about one-third making the final cut.

Aspiring performers are urged to memorized the lyrics, keep their performance under two minutes and be prepared for a sound delay from the public address system.

Those chosen to sing the National Anthem on a live race day will be notified with a telephone call and a written letter prior to the start of the Spring Thoroughbred Season (usually two-to-three weeks after the audition). Each person selected to perform will receive box seats for four to that day's live racing program.

Lone Star Park, approaching a celebration of its 10th anniversary (the first live race was April 17, 1997), is located one half-mile north of Interstate 30 off Belt Line Road at 1000 Lone Star Parkway in Grand Prairie - 12 miles west of Dallas and 20 miles east of Fort Worth.