River Downs gets a new name........

[CincyHorseplayer]

Originally Posted by rastajenk

The new "grandstand," if it can really be called that, can be seen in the first couple of pictures. It joins the casino at about the finish line on the track. It's smallish, to say the least, but probably large enough. The casino area itself has several balconies, or porches, that overlook the run into the clubhouse turn, to entice the eater/drinkers and slots punchers to step out and watch the real action.

I don't know if anything is planned for the ground level, to recreate the Tiki Bar atmosphere near the paddock formerly. I hope so. Hanging out with the participants of the sport is a big part of the live experience.

Yeah you know I'm a paddock rat even if I'm camped out on my perch to look at the races with the 10 x 50's!Hell man what are the plans for the new paddock?I'm hoping the whole setup is as accessible as it was.As far as ontrack itself I like the landscape of River,the actual ontrack locale better than Keeneland.The entire outer of Keeneland is awesome,the track itself,now especially that it's synthetic,to me is a total anus.The layout and background of River is awesome!

[5k-claim]

Originally Posted by rastajenk

The new "grandstand," if it can really be called that, can be seen in the first couple of pictures. It joins the casino at about the finish line on the track. It's smallish, to say the least, but probably large enough. The casino area itself has several balconies, or porches, that overlook the run into the clubhouse turn, to entice the eater/drinkers and slots punchers to step out and watch the real action.

I don't know if anything is planned for the ground level, to recreate the Tiki Bar atmosphere near the paddock formerly. I hope so. Hanging out with the participants of the sport is a big part of the live experience.

Thanks so much for these updates and pictures! I have kept an eye out for this thread because you are providing some really good information. River Downs is as much a home track to me as Turfway, of course. Glad to hear there will be a turf course- I would have really bet against that happening.

Now that Cincy mentions it, I really do hope the saddling paddock is decent. The old one was way, way too cramped and dangerous at the stalls. I hated it. Not asking to saddle out in the wide open under trees like at Keeneland (which I don't like but don't hate), but at least a little space is welcomed. A lot of tracks around here get that right (Turfway, Churchill, Ellis, Indiana Downs, Mountaineer outside are all okay.)

Oh well, I guess we'll just see what happens. I am just happy that River will be open again next year.

Thanks again!

[rastajenk]

For those interested, click this link to view a cam shot of the new facility. Hit the Play button for a quick time-lapse view of the entire process. Fun stuff.

[jballscalls]

Originally Posted by rastajenk

For those interested, click this link to view a cam shot of the new facility. Hit the Play button for a quick time-lapse view of the entire process. Fun stuff.

it's covered in snow!!

I was talking to a buddy of mine, it's going to be a super low angle for the cameras, press box, announcer etc. They are in the windows at the top of the grandstand under the white awning, literally only 20 or 25 feet up in the air. Be interesting to see what the camera angle is like so low.

[rastajenk]

I was thinking the same thing, only in terms of stewards, unpopular decisions, proximity, stuff like that.

[jballscalls]

Originally Posted by rastajenk

I was thinking the same thing, only in terms of stewards, unpopular decisions, proximity, stuff like that.

you have much different considerations for racetracks than I do

However you're right...you could literally walk right up to the top row of bleachers and scream right into the Stews window from what I've seen.

[Maximillion]

I made a bet here (BTP) for the first time and did a double take watching the track feed.Looks like the place is packed.