NE Ohio racino completing $1M renovation, update


July 7, 2013 at 4:51p.m.

NE Ohio racino completing $1M renovation, update

Associated Press

NORTH RANDALL, Ohio

A $1 million renovation project will update technology and amenities on the racing floor of a northeast Ohio racino

The work at Thistledown Racino is scheduled to be completed by July 27 in time for the 79th running of the Ohio Derby.

Owner Rock Ohio Caesars reopened the historic track this spring as Ohio’s second racino.

Rock Ohio Caesars’ capital investment in Thistledown will be more than $89 million when the racing floor updates are complete.

The latest renovation includes technology upgrades and installation of more than 150 HD high-definition 60-inch flat screen monitors to televise live Thistledown and simulcast races.

Overhead lighting and murals depicting favorite moments in the track’s 89-year history also will be added.

The investment comes as construction begins on a racino in Austintown. Developer Penn National Gaming expects that Northeastern Ohio racetrack and casino to open by next summer.