The Meadows shows rise in handle, attendance

The Meadows Racetrack & Casino has announced wagering and attendance has increased at its harness racing track from a year ago. Beginning with the opening of its new temporary casino on June 11, The Meadows examined a six-week period ending on July 22.

Wagering on races at The Meadows increased from $840,626 last year to $907,884 in 2007. Simulcast wagers experienced a modest bump from $2,025,278 to $2,119,480.  Attendance increased slightly from 15,222 to 15,876.

“These may be slight increases, but we couldn’t be more pleased because this ends what has been a dramatic decline in wagers and attendance over the past five years during the same period,” said Mike Graninger, vice president and general manager of The Meadows. “Just five years ago, nearly 26,000 people attended racing at The Meadows.  Attendance fell by more than 10,000 people until we saw an increase this year. Gaming expansion was intended, in part, to help save Pennsylvania’s horse racing industry. We’re certainly encouraged with the early results in helping to meet that goal.”

Racing enthusiasts will have more reasons to return to The Meadows once it opens its new permanent casino and grandstand in early 2009. The 350,000-square-foot, two-story casino, which will hold 3,000 slot machines, will fully integrate the horse racing and casino functions, making it a true destination entertainment experience.

The casino complex will have a covered grandstand area overlooking the racetrack, and a 200-seat simulcast area which connects to the outdoor grandstand seating. Plans also include a premier steak house, an American-style all-you-can-eat restaurant, and a specialty restaurant, which overlooks the racetrack. A centrally located lounge and bar with terraced seating will feature panoramic views of both the gaming floor and racetrack. A circular food court accessible from both the gaming floor and the grandstands will accommodate six different food outlets. VIP boxes will also be available and provide a select view of the racetrack.

“Harness racing at The Meadows is steeped in tradition, and we look forward to building on that legacy when we open our permanent casino and grandstand,” Graninger said.  “It’s safe to say, the Greater Pittsburgh area and our region will love it.”

Work on the permanent casino will begin shortly after the $450,000 Coors Delvin Miller Adios XLI on Saturday, Aug. 11–one of the nation’s premier races for 3-year-old pacers. One tradition returning to the Adios this year is a doubleheader card with post times of 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Adios will be part of the afternoon card. The Meadows also will feature programs Monday through Friday, highlighted by Grand Circuit racing, leading to the Adios Day doubleheader.

The track’s 44-year-old grandstand will be demolished a couple weeks following the Adios to make way for the permanent casino. Live racing will be on hiatus for two months, but simulcast wagering will be available and The Meadows’ off-track sites will remain open. (The Meadows)

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