Changes in Big M paddock

The back paddock has undergone the first step of a two-part renovation and will be open for business when harness racing returns to the Meadowlands on Friday, Nov. 17, with the first phase of the $10.5 million project featuring new lighting, heating and cooling systems for the existing structure, which has been utilized since the track opened in 1976.

"Standardbred horsemen, for some time, have been looking forward to these improvements and upgrades to the back paddock,” the Meadowlands' vice president for racing Chris McErlean said. “The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority recognized this need and made it a priority to get it done."

The backstretch kitchen in the paddock, which provides food service to the drivers, trainers and caretakers, has been renovated and will feature, for the first time, a cooking grill.

The interior and exterior walls of the building have been repainted, and the interior of the paddock and the front area leading to the track have been repaved.

The second phase of the project will increase the size of the paddock to accommodate 13 races, six more than the current back paddock. This portion of the project will also include the construction of new men’s and women’s bathrooms and changing rooms.

The second phase, including the new 27,000 square-foot addition, is scheduled to be completed near the end of the 2007 summer harness meet.

The new construction has resulted in a change in the route for the bus that shuttles horsemen to and from the back paddock, effective Nov. 17. (Meadowlands)

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