11-02-2025
Owensboro Racing and Gaming compares facility to Las Vegas ahead of grand opening
OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) — Owensboro Racing and Gaming's doors opened to media on Monday with everything in its place. Construction is complete, the machines are ready and the staff are two days away from its grand opening.
After Wednesday, a 24 hour facility will provide endless entertainment.
'…especially if they've never been [to Las Vegas] before, they're going to feel like they're somewhere like Las Vegas'
Owensboro Racing and Gaming's General Manager Steve Roof has worked in the entertainment industry since 1993. 'This is by far my most exciting day, and the biggest day of my career…today and Wednesday. All these years, and it just keeps getting more and more exciting,' says Roof.
Electronic signs hanging in the 400 block of Wrights Landing Road flash information about the February 12 ribbon cutting. Doors open to the public at 11 a.m. Inside, 600 historical gaming machines, live music and over a century of Churchill Downs Legacy.
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A negatively pressurized walkway allows clean air from the nonsmoking to pass through, but smoky air has no access to the nonsmoking. Free entry, free soft drinks and coffee and if that doesn't work a beer vending machine will be nearby.
For some, the starting gate, both literally and figuratively, will be the sports bar; The Starting Gate's name plays into its horse-racing theme.
'If you don't really want to gamble, but want to come watch my Kentucky Wildcats on the screen, we've got a 78ft long tv screen. We can make that one tv, two tvs, or up to 36 different tvs,' says Roof.
A mural in the eating area showcases a horse. When looked at closer, it transforms into history.
'People started thinking possibly like a quilt idea where you use different pieces of material or different things to make a big beautiful picture. Then, what came along is the Kentucky Derby logos for all 150 years of Kentucky Derby,' says Roof.
The facility aims to fit everyone's lifestyle, including those short on time.
'There's also a couple kiosks so people can come in and make their quick bet, hop back in their car and go about their business for the day,' says Roof.
The project created hundreds of jobs locally, including construction. The push for local will spill over into their choice of live entertainment.
'…probably Friday and Saturday nights. All of our customers can have something a little different,' says Roof.
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