View Full Version : Beulah Park Closing May 3 After 91 Years - Final Party Planned
BettinBilly
03-04-2014, 10:53 AM
Ladies and gents:
As most of you are aware, Beulah is closing its doors permanently on May 3 after 91 years of racing history. Their owners, Penn National Gaming, evidently feel they are in competition with themselves with the new "Hollywood Casino" now open in Columbus, and are shutting Beulah's doors with a new track planned near Youngstown, Ohio. Thus ends an era.
One final party is planned on Kentucky Derby Day, May the 3rd. I spoke with Larry Shipley the man orchestrating the party. He said it will start with doors opening at 10:00 AM and will continue with the party going into the night. The Track will close permanently when the party ends. One final farewell to 91 years of racing history.
If interested, tickets for the party are $25 per seat, and include a buffet, prizes, 50/50 raffle, programs and of course live racing.
I have no affiliation with Beulah.
I do plan on attending.
Billy
Mineshaft
03-04-2014, 11:23 AM
when does the new track open?
CincyHorseplayer
03-04-2014, 01:29 PM
when does the new track open?
I know River Downs(Belterra Park)runs into October this year and I believe the new track will open up after 10/19.Not 100% certain though.
thespaah
03-05-2014, 10:26 PM
Youngstown? Is not that area sort of economically depressed?
BettinBilly
03-05-2014, 11:33 PM
Youngstown? Is not that area sort of economically depressed?
That was my first reaction. Yet, it's proceeding. They have a proposed site, and it looks like it is going to happen, if it has not already broken ground.
Well, if you go by the stereotype, there are plenty of "shady" characters to fill the grandstands. But all kidding aside, it is an unusual location. I guess they are hoping to pull from Cleveland and Pittsburgh and Erie and maybe Columbus if you are up for the drive.
AlbertButtry
03-06-2014, 01:06 AM
Youngstown? Is not that area sort of economically depressed?
It's actually in Austintown. They are working on it. I drive by it a few times a week heading to work. Youngstown may be depressed but where the track is going to be located is not a bad area
FormalGold1
03-06-2014, 03:57 AM
Racing scheduled to start in November 2014. I believe for only 3 months.
Penn National Gaming will not be hiring any smokers. Friggin joke. It's OK to get drunk and lose your rent money at the slots.
I will boycott and continue to bet horses at the OTB in New Castle, PA.
duncan04
03-06-2014, 08:48 AM
Racing scheduled to start in November 2014. I believe for only 3 months.
Penn National Gaming will not be hiring any smokers. Friggin joke. It's OK to get drunk and lose your rent money at the slots.
I will boycott and continue to bet horses at the OTB in New Castle, PA.
Ohio has a public smoking ban indoors. Guess you did not realize that
thespaah
03-06-2014, 05:16 PM
It's actually in Austintown. They are working on it. I drive by it a few times a week heading to work. Youngstown may be depressed but where the track is going to be located is not a bad area
Yep,...I mapped the address from the Hollywood Casino website.
The area lost a lot of industry over the years.
thespaah
03-06-2014, 05:28 PM
Ohio has a public smoking ban indoors. Guess you did not realize that
Usually, casinos are given waivers to these laws.
NOTE...My comment was not intended to start a smoker vs non-smoker debate.
BettinBilly
03-06-2014, 06:15 PM
Before this thread, I had never heard of "Austintown" Ohio. It is a bit out of the limelight from some metro areas, but I suppose Penn National did their homework before they chose the location.
rrpic6
03-06-2014, 06:58 PM
Racing scheduled to start in November 2014. I believe for only 3 months.
Penn National Gaming will not be hiring any smokers. Friggin joke. It's OK to get drunk and lose your rent money at the slots.
I will boycott and continue to bet horses at the OTB in New Castle, PA.
The Meadows will close in New Castle when Mahoning Valley Race Course opens. The tellers are just waiting to apply for the openings when posted.
RR
1GCFAN
03-06-2014, 10:06 PM
Perhaps Penn will take Miami Valley's lead and eliminate tellers. Live near Beulah but will miss the party. Can be found at the Southpoint on Derby weekend.
thespaah
03-06-2014, 10:23 PM
The Meadows will close in New Castle when Mahoning Valley Race Course opens. The tellers are just waiting to apply for the openings when posted.
RR
What do you mean by "close"?
AlbertButtry
03-06-2014, 11:17 PM
The Meadows will close in New Castle when Mahoning Valley Race Course opens. The tellers are just waiting to apply for the openings when posted.
RR
How you been? Have you been to New castle lately? I picked my dad up from the Pittsburgh airport Sunday night and went up that way. There were 5 people there. 1st time there in 2 years. I don't know how it is still open.
duncan04
03-06-2014, 11:27 PM
Perhaps Penn will take Miami Valley's lead and eliminate tellers. Live near Beulah but will miss the party. Can be found at the Southpoint on Derby weekend.
Miami Valley has a few tellers and a few machines. Went there last Saturday. Very easy to get shut out :bang:
rrpic6
03-07-2014, 12:23 AM
How you been? Have you been to New castle lately? I picked my dad up from the Pittsburgh airport Sunday night and went up that way. There were 5 people there. 1st time there in 2 years. I don't know how it is still open.
I'm doing well Al. Just got back from Florida myself. Spent the weekend at Gulfstream. Was visiting my buddy Big Jim. We also went to Tampa and the Sarosta Dogs. Ladbrokes/Meadows is on its last legs. The OTB in Austintown might be ready by Labor Day. The wrecking ball should hit New Castle soon after.
RR
thespaah
03-07-2014, 12:32 AM
How you been? Have you been to New castle lately? I picked my dad up from the Pittsburgh airport Sunday night and went up that way. There were 5 people there. 1st time there in 2 years. I don't know how it is still open.
I believe PA state law requires the existence of an extended Pari Mutuel meeting to be held in order for the casino at the site to operate.
FormalGold1
03-07-2014, 05:16 AM
Ohio has a public smoking ban indoors. Guess you did not realize that
I realize Ohio's draconian smoking ban quite well. I said Penn National is not
HIRING smokers. Which includes many of my unemployed smoking friends.
If they close Meadows OTB in New Castle, PA., I will go back to Mountaineer
where adults are not treated liked children.
FormalGold1
03-07-2014, 05:30 AM
You are correct about casinos usually given waivers. However, Ohio has no exemptions. Nada. Which will force smoking gamblers to go elsewhere. Being that Austintown is in driving distance of Pittsburgh,Erie,PA. and West Virginia will
severely dampen their business.
You will see Penn National asking for an exemption when their handle drops after the initial honeymoon bloom.
rrpic6
03-07-2014, 05:45 AM
The Hard Rock Casino that sits next to Northfield Park outside of Cleveland is doing quite well. They have built areas around the perimeter that is technically outside, that have slots. They are under cover, yet allow smokers to smoke. This is a way around the law. BTW, the OTB at Northfield is usually packed on weekends. Anyone that smokes just walks outside. Not really that big a deal.
RR
jballscalls
03-07-2014, 09:50 AM
You are correct about casinos usually given waivers. However, Ohio has no exemptions. Nada. Which will force smoking gamblers to go elsewhere. Being that Austintown is in driving distance of Pittsburgh,Erie,PA. and West Virginia will
severely dampen their business.
You will see Penn National asking for an exemption when their handle drops after the initial honeymoon bloom.
I worked at my mom's poker room for years in Washington and when they put in a smoking ban here I noticed three things. 1) my clothes and hair didn't stink at the end of the night and I didn't feel like i'd smoked a pack of cigarettes. I really dislike being around smokers so for me it was great. 2) The games instantly got worse because every 20 or 30 minutes you had players getting up to smoke and games that were already short handed got very shorthanded and action got bad. 3) Many players started going up to the Indian Casinos where they were still allowed to smoke, because why would they have to go by the laws. Smoking ban had a huge influence on my inheritance, and a bad one at that! LOL
The tribal casinos created a smoking poker room and a non smoking poker room which I think is probably the best option. Non-smokers are now the majority and non of them want to be sitting at a table with smokers.
PaceAdvantage
03-08-2014, 04:02 AM
Non-smokers are now the majority and non of them want to be sitting at a table with smokers.Non-smokers have always been the majority.
thespaah
03-09-2014, 10:01 PM
I worked at my mom's poker room for years in Washington and when they put in a smoking ban here I noticed three things. 1) my clothes and hair didn't stink at the end of the night and I didn't feel like i'd smoked a pack of cigarettes. I really dislike being around smokers so for me it was great. 2) The games instantly got worse because every 20 or 30 minutes you had players getting up to smoke and games that were already short handed got very shorthanded and action got bad. 3) Many players started going up to the Indian Casinos where they were still allowed to smoke, because why would they have to go by the laws. Smoking ban had a huge influence on my inheritance, and a bad one at that! LOL
The tribal casinos created a smoking poker room and a non smoking poker room which I think is probably the best option. Non-smokers are now the majority and non of them want to be sitting at a table with smokers.
I smoke. Now this is weird. I prefer to be at tables where there is no smoking.
If I need to puff, I will go outside.
The Mardi Gras Casino in Charleston has no option for indoor smoking. So, for example when playing black jack, I will head out to the smoking area when the shoe is being reshuffled. It's the same as one heading to the restroom.
No biggie.
Anyway, gamblers smoke at a higher proportion than the general population. That's a fact. For Ohio to not grant a waiver is IMO, short sighted.
That is going to be Ohio's problem.
As for PNG, refusing to hire smokers is easy to get around. Come on.
jballscalls
03-09-2014, 11:42 PM
Non-smokers have always been the majority.
In the poker room they always seemed like a majority!
FormalGold1
03-10-2014, 04:48 AM
Penn National Gaming job applicants will be required to pass a drug screening
and random tests after hiring. These test will measure nicotine levels. Those who quit smoking with nicotine patches will also not be hired.
Other than nepotism, please explain how it is "easy to get around" these tests ?
How about eliminating applicants with a BMI test for being overweight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc. ?
PaceAdvantage
03-10-2014, 08:34 PM
Other than nepotism, please explain how it is "easy to get around" these tests ?Unless they test hair (which they probably won't), nicotine is usually undetectable in blood and urine if your last exposure was at least 7-10 days ago, depending on the test and if they are testing for nicotine or cotinine (the byproduct of nicotine after it is metabolized by the body).
PIC6SIX
03-10-2014, 10:25 PM
People always find money to gamble with and boomers have nothing better to do with their pension/SS checks. Also Penn knows what they are doing since the Austintown location is close to much interstate traffic, i.e., Ohio Turnpike, Interstate-80. Ohio RT 11 and I-76. Lot of cross country traffic passes by this new track location. Penn National Racino in Grantville,PA looks better than most Vegas casinos. A real knockout in my opinion.
FormalGold1
03-12-2014, 04:17 AM
I smoke. Now this is weird. I prefer to be at tables where there is no smoking.
If I need to puff, I will go outside.
The Mardi Gras Casino in Charleston has no option for indoor smoking. So, for example when playing black jack, I will head out to the smoking area when the shoe is being reshuffled. It's the same as one heading to the restroom.
No biggie.
Anyway, gamblers smoke at a higher proportion than the general population. That's a fact. For Ohio to not grant a waiver is IMO, short sighted.
That is going to be Ohio's problem.
As for PNG, refusing to hire smokers is easy to get around. Come on.
To rephrase: Smokers gamble at a higher proportion than the general population.
The draconian smoking ban is indeed shortsighted. No accommodations for smokers.
You can quit smoking for 2 weeks and pass the initial test to get hired. How do you beat the later random testing ?
If I had to go outside for a cigarette while on the Las Vegas strip, faggetaboutit. When playing the table games I need the trifecta: a drink, a cigarette, and cards. Otherwise, I am not comfortable.
Little Watermelon
03-12-2014, 01:01 PM
Sorry to see another track close. It used to be called..I don't know if this was facetious or not...the Saratoga of the midwest. We visited there the day Bellamy Road won the Wood, when the Frozen Four was in Columbus. Nice paddock, the interior of the plant looked like it hadn't changed from the 50's. Saw the Beulah twins there, couldn't convince my wife to take a picture of me with them. So it goes.
BettinBilly
03-12-2014, 02:17 PM
Sorry to see another track close. It used to be called..I don't know if this was facetious or not...the Saratoga of the midwest. We visited there the day Bellamy Road won the Wood, when the Frozen Four was in Columbus. Nice paddock, the interior of the plant looked like it hadn't changed from the 50's. Saw the Beulah twins there, couldn't convince my wife to take a picture of me with them. So it goes.
Thanks for the post, L.W.
This is going to be a sad day for me. The ending of an era for any track as old as Beulah is sad. I've been going to Beulah for a long time, and it happens to be a convenient drive for me. Driving to Austintown is not really in the cards much, especially with gas cost where it is. That's a day trip, not a quick drive. Unless I'm in Vegas, I don't like hanging around Casinos to play the ponies. I'd rather do ADW. So I'll not be going to Hollywood Casino or Scioto Downs just to place some bets. I'm just not a Harness Racing guy, or I'd be hanging at Scioto.
Neat story about the Beulah twins. At least you have the memories.
Billy
rrpic6
03-14-2014, 12:42 PM
Thistledown and Mahoning Valley RC have reached a 10 year agreement that states each track will run at least 100 days a year starting in 2015, but not compete for the same race dates. Mahoning Valley RC intends to have its opening day Nov. 24th. The Ohio State Racing Commission will rule on this on March 27th at its monthly meeting.
RR
rrpic6
03-27-2014, 06:56 PM
Its official!
http://www.vindy.com/news/2014/mar/27/races-start-nov-24-mahoning-valley-race-course/?nw
RR
BettinBilly
04-11-2014, 10:34 PM
Just read this article on Beulah's final days and the closing via DRF online. I know all of this, and I've witnessed it over the years first hand, but reading it in print is especially sad. A once great venue now "decrepit" and "God-Forsaken", as Marty McGee of DRF puts it, is a real slap in the face for the fans and the horseman at Beulah.
Over the years, and especially the last 5 or so, I've really noticed a drop in maintenance at Beulah. I knew deep in my soul that the end was coming after 90 years of legacy. I just didn't want to believe it. I think the only thing that can save the track now is a miracle, or an Angel Financier that wants to save it for the sake of saving it. It's been done before. I recall Tioga Downs in Upstate NY being in the same boat (albeit without the Legacy of Beulah and being a Harness Track). A Financier saved it after many years of being closed and threatened to be torn down. It's highly profitable now, and in superior shape, with a new micro-casino attached. Perhaps one day, Beulah will be back in much the same fashion, although it seems doubtful.
Article here: http://www.drf.com/news/requiem-racetrack-beulah-park-closing-leaving-many-horsemen-behind
- So long Beulah. Thanks for the memories.
1GCFAN
04-11-2014, 11:15 PM
Back in the day it was a race from work to get to Beulah for that last race during the Spring and Fall meets. Seem to remember a 19 day Spring Meet and a 30 day fall meet. River Downs and Thistledown always got the choice days.
These days I go to Scioto Downs which is only a few miles from Beulah. It is owned by Mountaineer and is a half way decent facility for summer only harness racing.
Smokers go to the open grandstand area between the Casino and enclosed clubhouse.
appistappis
04-11-2014, 11:28 PM
I for one will miss beulah and the $20 supers.
thespaah
04-11-2014, 11:58 PM
Thistledown and Mahoning Valley RC have reached a 10 year agreement that states each track will run at least 100 days a year starting in 2015, but not compete for the same race dates. Mahoning Valley RC intends to have its opening day Nov. 24th. The Ohio State Racing Commission will rule on this on March 27th at its monthly meeting.
RR
Smart move. Competing for the same horses at the same time is suicidal.
Tall One
04-11-2014, 11:58 PM
Grove City hotel recommendations?
BettinBilly
04-12-2014, 12:33 AM
Grove City hotel recommendations?
Tall,
Are you coming in for the Derby Day party? If so, see you there.
Lots of hotels to choose from. Some right near the track. Columbus is a small big city, so nothing is too far away. The Beulah exit and a few exits either side of the Beulah exit off of the I-270 Beltway will yield you 10 or 15 hotel choices.
A few hotels nearby from Priceline;
There is a Microtel by Wyndham booking out at $56 per night
A Holiday Inn Express for $84
And a Hilton Garden Inn at $99
Just to name a few. Depends on your taste.
Tall One
04-12-2014, 10:03 AM
Tall,
Are you coming in for the Derby Day party? If so, see you there.
A few hotels nearby from Priceline;
There is a Microtel by Wyndham booking out at $56 per night
A Holiday Inn Express for $84
And a Hilton Garden Inn at $99
Sounds like a bash! I hate seeing another track closing that has been around forever, and since I've never made the trip up, might as well send her off the best way we can! 84 bucks, HI Xpress would be within the travel budget and Lexington to there is 3 hours. Not bad at all.
Thanks for the help, BB. Now, if I can convince my woman we can in fact leave the state for Derby.. :D
BettinBilly
05-03-2014, 08:44 PM
What a fantastic day at Beulah Park. I have not seen that many people at Beulah in probably 20 years.
The Derby party was amazing. $25? I did not expect too much. On the Contrary, it was a spectacular time. I had never been in the upper Clubhouse before. Very nice. We ate like kings (seriously - GREAT food!!!), there were brand new 40" HDTV Monitors everywhere, great door prizes and 50/50's. Awesome Hats ladies. Just awesome. Beulah employees treated us like royalty.
I ended up at a table with some genuine Horseplayers. Great luck. We were all on the same page. Awesome conversation and a Capping fest ensued. The 8th race at Beulah (the last race FOREVER) was amazing. Full crowd trackside, and.... a 12 horse field with a great purse. Most races at Beulah over the years have been 4 to 6 horses. A full field like that was a real treat and a great sendoff. Lots of cheering during the final stretch, and a few tears.
Pictures all around, and sadness. What a shame they are closing this icon.
Thank you Beulah, and good bye.
michiken
05-03-2014, 09:50 PM
I think I will miss the Beulah twins the most, all :4: of them!
NJ Stinks
05-04-2014, 01:51 AM
What a fantastic day at Beulah Park. I have not seen that many people at Beulah in probably 20 years.
The Derby party was amazing. $25? I did not expect too much. On the Contrary, it was a spectacular time. I had never been in the upper Clubhouse before. Very nice. We ate like kings (seriously - GREAT food!!!), there were brand new 40" HDTV Monitors everywhere, great door prizes and 50/50's. Awesome Hats ladies. Just awesome. Beulah employees treated us like royalty.
I ended up at a table with some genuine Horseplayers. Great luck. We were all on the same page. Awesome conversation and a Capping fest ensued. The 8th race at Beulah (the last race FOREVER) was amazing. Full crowd trackside, and.... a 12 horse field with a great purse. Most races at Beulah over the years have been 4 to 6 horses. A full field like that was a real treat and a great sendoff. Lots of cheering during the final stretch, and a few tears.
Pictures all around, and sadness. What a shame they are closing this icon.
Thank you Beulah, and good bye.
Billy, I'm glad to hear Beulah went out in style and that you enjoyed the last racing day.
After reading your post, I went back and watched the last race. Fantastic finish for sure!
Actor
05-04-2014, 04:20 AM
My wife and I went. We took along the kid I tutor in math. I don't think my wife had ever been to Beulah before. I did not go to the party partly because of the $25 charge but mostly because I wanted to spend the last day wandering around the place.
Handicapping the card I only found two horses I liked. One was in the first race and we got there too late to bet. That's OK, he lost. (Remember the scene from Let It Ride? :lol: ) The other was in the seventh race. He won and paid $3.
The kid made five $2 show bets, picking horses at random from the free track handicapper's selection sheet. He started with $4. He finished up $3.80. Of course I had to make his bets and collect his winnings for him. His show bet in the last race paid $5. Never happened to me.
We left after the last race thinking to get home in time to watch the Kentucky Derby on TV. My TV at home is a 1080i 40", much better than the old tubes at Beulah. And my chair is much more comfy than those at the track. But when we got home I sat down and flaked out, slept through the Derby. :sleeping:
BettinBilly
05-04-2014, 09:39 AM
Thanks guys.
Actor;
I'm glad you had a good time as well, and it is very good from that you introduced a young man to our sport. I'm glad he won a little.
Believe me when I tell you, the $25 Upper Clubhouse Party Fee was well worth it. The food alone was worth the cost of admission for sure, but with all the new HD 40" monitors that were set up everywhere, the great crowd, the good elevated track view, and the door prizes and swag, it was a great value. There was even a Bachelorette party there. The girls drove down from Buffalo, NY to attend. Lots of very pretty girls in Derby Day hats, so my track view was distracted at times.
I did spend a bit of time walking around and reminiscing, and of course, track side for a few of the races to enjoy the final day.
NJ;
Thanks, I will have to replay the final race as well. Yes, the finish was exciting in many ways. It was hard to leave last night. Attendees got a glimpse of the former glory of Beulah yesterday. It was bitter/sweet.
pele polo
05-04-2014, 12:26 PM
Why did Beulah buy these new HD monitors if they're closing?
therussmeister
05-04-2014, 01:06 PM
Why did Beulah buy these new HD monitors if they're closing?
I assume they could find a place to put them in the new track.
BettinBilly
05-04-2014, 01:53 PM
Yes. Article in the "Columbus Dispatch" about Beulah stated that employees have until Tuesday to pack up. Some of the items are going to Youngstown's new facility. No loss on those monitors. I'm sure they will be put to good use.
BettinBilly
05-05-2014, 09:53 PM
I took this photo of the 8th and FINAL Race of the horses crossing the wire on 5/3/14, marking the end of racing forever at Beulah.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p194/prowesswelder/FinalRaceBeulah2014.jpg
Message from Beulah's GM;
It's Been a Good Ride!
5/3/2014
This last day of racing here at Beulah Park marks the end of the 91 years of racing at Ohio's first thoroughbred track. For most of our loyal customers, horsemen and employees, it marks the end of an era. In recent weeks, as we have been preparing for this day, more and more individuals have been coming to me with stories about visiting the track with their parents and grandparents, how they mucked stalls as a teenager for their first job, all the like. It is abundantly clear that Beulah Park has played a major role in many more lives than I had previously realized.
To all who have been a part of Beulah Park's long and rich legacy, I hope your next ride will be a good one.
Jim McKinney, General Manager
Beulah Park
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