Ongoing construction can be visibly seen on the Tioga Downs property and is progressing quickly, however a date or timeline for the casino expansion has not yet been finalized. Gaming license paperwork has been completed and is in final review stage. (Photos by JoAnn R. Walter)
Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y. kicks off their eleventh season of live harness racing on Saturday, May 7 with a southern-style Kentucky Derby celebration and with summer just around the corner star-studded musical entertainment and several exciting events are planned. For a complete racing, events and entertainment schedule, visit www.tiogadowns.com or find them on Facebook.
New President and General Manager of Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs Casino, Scott Freeman, gave an overview of the 2016 events and entertainment season at a preview night held May 3.
Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y. kicks off their eleventh season of live harness racing on Saturday, May 7 with a southern-style Kentucky Derby celebration, and with summer just around the corner, star-studded musical entertainment and several exciting events are planned.
At a media preview night on May 3, new President and General Manager of Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs, Scott Freeman, gave an overview of the events and entertainment, and Justin Horowitz, regional racing marketing manager, offered exciting details on the racing season ahead.
Tioga Downs’ “Derby Fest 9” begins at 9 a.m. and celebrates the Kentucky Derby and the 142nd “Run for the Roses.” Guests will enjoy watching “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” as well as the first live race of the Tioga Downs season. Post time is 5 p.m., with a live simulcast and post time for the Kentucky Derby at 6:34 p.m. Guests can dress in derby-style-fashion and participate in a full day of contests and promotions, including the Derby Hat Contest, which starts at 2 p.m. Live musical entertainment is planned trackside, and concluding the evening will be a spectacular fireworks show.
Racing is also planned on Mother’s Day, May 8 and subsequent Sunday afternoon race dates will allow families to experience live racing together. All season long, guests can participate in the annual “Horseplay Car Giveaway,” whereby money raised throughout the season is matched by Tioga Downs and donated to local charities.
Father’s Day, June 19, features the “Roll with Joe” race with many of the sport’s top older pacers, and in August, sharing the spotlight with the Empire Breeders Classic is the Artiscape, just a sample of multiple races scheduled throughout the season.
The always amusing camel and ostrich races will return in June, and slated for July is the Miss Tioga Downs competition, and again in August, the Spiedie Eating Championship.
The outdoor summer concert series brings live to the stage KC and the Sunshine Band on July 9, American rock band, Grand Funk Railroad, on Aug. 13, and legendary artist and Grammy award winner, Kenny Rogers, on Sept. 4.
In an effort to participate in a farm-to-table initiative, Freeman announced, “In about two weeks we will start to clear land for a farm- to-table growing area. We will grow all of our own vegetables and herbs and utilize them in our kitchens.”
Also in the spotlight, the ongoing construction at Tioga Downs’ can be visibly seen on the property. The current phase of the construction process was originally expected to be completed by July.
In a response to a question regarding the casino expansion timeline, Freeman replied, “As everyone can see, our construction is progressing very quickly. Our license paperwork has been completed and is in final review stage. We certainly must give the Gaming Commission time to digest the volumes submitted. As for a particular timeline, I don’t think we can speculate a certain date but I am sure the longest wait is behind us.”
A moment of silence was held at the May 3 preview night in remembrance of former New York State Senator Tom Libous who passed away from prostate cancer that same day. Libous was a strong advocate for area businesses during his 30 years of service, including Tioga Downs Casino, where he shared his strong voice in Albany and supported the facility from the ground up.
Tioga Downs Regional Director of Business Development and Governmental Relations, Jay Dinga, shared this sentiment regarding Libous’ support of the facility, “He carried the dream and all of us in the Tioga Downs family know that without him, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
For additional information about Tioga Downs’ opening day and live harness racing schedule and a complete list of entertainment and events, visit www.tiogadowns.com or find them on Facebook.
