A convention center, a hotel, a spa and an ESPN-themed nightclub are in the future plans for Hoosier Park, according to its general manager.
But those plans hinge on acquiring the land.
At a meeting of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission Thursday morning, Rick Moore, general manager of Hoosier Park, gave optimistic updates of the progress of the construction of a racino at the park, and the impending renovation of the horse racing field house. He also offered ambitious plans for the park's future.
Moore told the commission that Hoosier Park in the future hopes to acquire land surrounding the track to build a complex of attractions, including a convention center, a hotel and an ESPN-themed nightclub.
"But those things can come in stages," Moore said. "It's going to happen, but it's not going to happen overnight. We want this to become a destination spot."
Moore's comments came on the heels of Indiana Downs attorney Lee McNeely speaking about planned expansions at that park in Shelbyville, including the addition of new racing barns and the optioning of a 100-acre property near the racetrack for a hotel complex.
Moore updated the commission about the ongoing construction at the Anderson track, which includes an entirely new facility devoted to slot machines. Moore reported that "footing and foundations" were complete; structural steel decking was 99 percent complete; and draining, electrical work, and plumbing had recently started.
Moore said that construction has been going in two shifts, Monday through Saturday. He placed the opening date somewhere around June 2008.
The horse racing portion of Hoosier Park, which will undergo renovation during the offseason, will be opened again on April 5, 2008. Moore noted that the room at Hoosier Park where the racing commission meeting was being held (the Clubhouse Simulcasting area) will eventually be converted into a 180-seat buffet.
"Come Nov. 26, the only part that will be open will be the Home Stretch restaurant," said Moore. "All the simulcasting will take place there."
Commission Chair Sarah McNaught inquired about the brand of Hoosier Park after the renovations and construction of the racino are complete. She asked what the "skin" of the buildings would look like. Moore said that the exterior of the racino had yet to be decided on, as well as the signage and branding of the facility.
Commission member Steven Schaefer asked whether the slot machines will be ready for use when Hoosier Park opens in April.
"The slots won't be ready until summer 2008," said Moore.