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Old 11-19-2018, 09:47 PM   #16
JustRalph
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A destination........nice!
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Old 11-20-2018, 01:43 AM   #17
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I've been watching them re-do the parking lot all month. Racing is in no danger, since they tore down some of the older barns, but they replaced them. I think they are building out more new ones as well. I always thought Oaklawn would be one of the major racetracks still standing 20+ year from now, and I haven't changed my mind about that.
I think if you get certain rooms it looks like you will be able to watch the races from your room instead of buying box seats.
The racetrack kitchen will have to be demolished because of where it sits now, but I'm sure they will replace that, too.

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Old 11-20-2018, 12:35 PM   #18
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My plan had always been to retire right where I'm at, just down the road from Tampa Bay Downs. Plans have changed. I love OP, and this just seals the deal for me.
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Old 11-20-2018, 01:55 PM   #19
v j stauffer
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Originally Posted by clicknow View Post
I've been watching them re-do the parking lot all month. Racing is in no danger, since they tore down some of the older barns, but they replaced them. I think they are building out more new ones as well. I always thought Oaklawn would be one of the major racetracks still standing 20+ year from now, and I haven't changed my mind about that.
I think if you get certain rooms it looks like you will be able to watch the races from your room instead of buying box seats.
The racetrack kitchen will have to be demolished because of where it sits now, but I'm sure they will replace that, too.

The hotel site is smack dab where my parking spot was. Spots are very coveted there. This could be the beginning of the end for me.
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Old 11-20-2018, 02:01 PM   #20
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The hotel site is smack dab where my parking spot was. Spots are very coveted there. This could be the beginning of the end for me.
See if they will trade you for a suite.
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Old 11-20-2018, 02:10 PM   #21
v j stauffer
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See if they will trade you for a suite.
I thought about that. They said there are two Presidential Suites. I have a GREAT condo on Lake Hamilton that we love. Had the same place all three years. 5th season at the track "where the sun ALWAYS shines" starts Jan. 25! Let's Go!
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Old 11-20-2018, 07:11 PM   #22
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My favorite track. Hoping for nice weather opening weekend and I will be there like normal
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Old 11-20-2018, 08:22 PM   #23
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The hotel site is smack dab where my parking spot was. Spots are very coveted there. This could be the beginning of the end for me.
Remember when they had those "golf carts" that would ride you from your parking space to the front door? With zip-off plastic panels for windows? Boy that was cold/hot depending on the weather, plus I always felt like it would be easy to get run over by a car while in one of htose.

No more. Now they have full blown heated/ac mini-busses with TV and all the creature comforts.

I'm sure they'll just have 3 or 4 more when the expansion is done.

Last edited by clicknow; 11-20-2018 at 08:26 PM.
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Old 11-20-2018, 08:25 PM   #24
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My plan had always been to retire right where I'm at, just down the road from Tampa Bay Downs. Plans have changed. I love OP, and this just seals the deal for me.
Living smack dab in the middle of a national forest is also pretty neat. You can be drinking "mineral water craft beer" or espresso one minute in a cafe on bathhouse row, then walk back to your truck, grab your dog, and go on a lovely hike with streams and little waterfalls. Afterwards, go for a soak in the 4 different temperature hot mineral baths at Quapaw Bathhouse. $20 takes the day off you, and you'll stay pain free and relaxed for 3 days afterwards
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Old 11-25-2018, 10:11 AM   #25
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I really appreciate what OP does. The ownership could easily take the casino earnings and increase profits, but they put those resources into the racing side and it's paid off for them. I remember when Mr. Cella passed thinking the family may be less interested in the racing side, but that has not been the case at all --- purses have increased, making OP more attractive to some of the best connections in the country.

The place treats the customers very well. I'm by no means a high roller, but I get constant casino free play offers (not the piddly $10 offers you see at big casinos), free bets at the track, etc. I make it to 15-20 dates per year and the management and employees are super friendly and many of them actually know my name. Admission is free, Vic and Nancy started a really nice handicapping show that people seem to enjoy, the fields are full, the value is there, the Derby Trail runs through OP, and although the sun really doesn't ALWAYS shine there, the weather is usually pretty good. With the meet beginning later (1/25) and extending to Derby Weekend, the weather will be much better than we've experienced in the past.

The new hotel and casino upgrades will be great. We just passed a gambling / casino bill in Arkansas that will allow OP to go full blown casino. Previously they tip toed the laws--- casino closed daily, drinks are not free, slots are considered "games of skill"and table games do not use live bets (computer based only). Sports betting will be allowed in the new casino as well. IF history is any indication, Oaklawn will keep it classy and put resources back into the racing side.

As for a turf course, I'm torn. I enjoy turf racing, but I don't know that it would bring any more fans or any better horses than what we see now. I'm afraid it would take a total restructuring of the existing track to incorporate a turf track. OJC owns alot of property in the area, but I think they'd still have to acquire more land to do it right. So, a turf course would be nice, but I have a feeling its not high on the ownership's list of importance.
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Old 11-25-2018, 06:16 PM   #26
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Originally Posted by oaklawnhogg View Post
I really appreciate what OP does. The ownership could easily take the casino earnings and increase profits, but they put those resources into the racing side and it's paid off for them. I remember when Mr. Cella passed thinking the family may be less interested in the racing side, but that has not been the case at all --- purses have increased, making OP more attractive to some of the best connections in the country.

The place treats the customers very well. I'm by no means a high roller, but I get constant casino free play offers (not the piddly $10 offers you see at big casinos), free bets at the track, etc. I make it to 15-20 dates per year and the management and employees are super friendly and many of them actually know my name. Admission is free, Vic and Nancy started a really nice handicapping show that people seem to enjoy, the fields are full, the value is there, the Derby Trail runs through OP, and although the sun really doesn't ALWAYS shine there, the weather is usually pretty good. With the meet beginning later (1/25) and extending to Derby Weekend, the weather will be much better than we've experienced in the past.

The new hotel and casino upgrades will be great. We just passed a gambling / casino bill in Arkansas that will allow OP to go full blown casino. Previously they tip toed the laws--- casino closed daily, drinks are not free, slots are considered "games of skill"and table games do not use live bets (computer based only). Sports betting will be allowed in the new casino as well. IF history is any indication, Oaklawn will keep it classy and put resources back into the racing side.

As for a turf course, I'm torn. I enjoy turf racing, but I don't know that it would bring any more fans or any better horses than what we see now. I'm afraid it would take a total restructuring of the existing track to incorporate a turf track. OJC owns alot of property in the area, but I think they'd still have to acquire more land to do it right. So, a turf course would be nice, but I have a feeling its not high on the ownership's list of importance.
now they need to lower the takeout and put a live feed on the website. They should use Woodbines website and presentation as a guide. They should also have contests hosted on their website for the people that can't get there everyday, but would still like to play their races in contests. There are a lot of states that havent legalized online wagering, but can play in contests.
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