When Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs opens its 2023 harness racing season Thursday, it will have a welcome addition for standardbred fans on top of the new sports betting it has been providing all interested patrons since Jan. 1.
Caesars Entertainment Inc. has spent at least $20 million refurbishing the Columbus track, most prominently including a new grandstand with 730 stadium seats. The renovation also features two VIP rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and a new outdoor patio with 280 seats.
Caesars held a ceremonial grand opening at Scioto Downs last Thursday to show off the new seating and other features that will make the track’s 64th season more comfortable and attractive for racing fans. There’s also a new winner’s circle, new fencing, a remodeled clubhouse patio area, new teller area, a patio bar, and self-service betting kiosks.
“Our new grandstand is an exciting step in the maturation of our offering here at Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs and the Caesars commitment to horse racing,” Amy Ankerson, Scioto Downs senior vice president and general manager, said in a press release. “This new facility will provide our guests with an unforgettable gaming and entertainment experience delivering on our company promise to treat customers like royalty.”
Thursday marks the first of 90 days of live racing this year at Scioto Downs. Post time will be at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 5:50 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Patrons visit the racino not just for racing but to play more than 2,000 video lottery terminals, which from January-March provided Scioto Downs with $60.4 million in revenue. Sports betting offered at the sportsbook there generated about $224,000 in revenue in the same span, from total betting handle of $4.8 million.
Photo courtesy of Scioto Downs
