Tuesday, September 23, 2014
By Greg Gulas
AUSTINTOWN
After what he calls a “highly successful” first week to its overall operation, Scott Frost, director of marketing for Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course said it isn’t too early to begin thinking about the horse racing season.
Stumping for general manager Mike Galle during Monday’s weekly Curbstone Coaches meeting at Lucianno’s Banquet Center, Frost said there are 1,000 stalls and 1,001 seats in their enclosed grandstand awaiting occupancy.
“Everything thus far has been well-received,” he said. “We’ve had large crowds, lots of jackpots, no technical issues and outstanding levels of service from all team members to the guests.”
The course’s parent company, Penn National Gaming, has installed 850 Video Lottery Terminals, which are regulated by the Ohio Lottery, for the racing season, which begins Nov. 24.
The facility currently offers simulcast betting with most major courses throughout the country and is open continuously as bettors keep an eye on both east and west coast tracks.
The facility has 275 TV monitors, many dedicated solely for racing.
Horse racing will be held solely in the winter months with approximately 100 dates set aside for Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from November to April. Hours are 12:45 to 4:30 p.m.
“Our racing license was transferred from Beulah Park in Columbus as their racing season was a winter session,” Frost said. “The 2014 portion is all set. The 2015 portion, however, is still to be finalized.”
The grandstand houses two concessions stands, Harlan’s Holiday (located in the upper area and named after the highly-successful Ohio-bred horse that was euthanized last Nov. 1) and Trackside, located in the lower area which is a grab-and-go concession area.
The grandstand also includes the Skybox Sports Bar, which features 25 televisions and booth seating that includes personalized television monitors.
“Our racing schedule is opposite that of Thistledown so we’re expecting some of their horses to come our way,” Frost said.
The $250 million facility — half of which was used for licensing and the other half for property — includes a 25,000 square foot gaming floor with the ability to expand, a one-mile thoroughbred track and six food and beverage outlets.
There are 1,600 parking spots, 125 of which can be used for valet parking at $5 each.
Shuttles are also provided to and from the facility for guests at hotels and truck stops in the area.
“We’re already receiving requests for stalls but still have openings for track workers.,” Frost said. “There are about 20 or so positions still available in that area for those that might be interested.”
If interested in a track position, applications are being accepted on-line at www.hollywoodmahoningvalley.com/careers.
Next week, Youngstown State women’s basketball coach John Barnes will serve as guest speaker.