justin.schneider@heraldbulletin.com
“Three, two, one ... dig!”
With those words, the shining blades of five silver shovels sank into a trough of dirt, marking the ceremonial groundbreaking of a new casino building at Hoosier Park on Tuesday.
Of course, the actual groundbreaking took place two weeks ago, a fact betrayed by the steel girders rising behind the participants. One of those participants, and the man who delivered the countdown command, was Rick Moore, general manager of racing for Hoosier Park.
“This is an historic event for the city of Anderson and the state of Indiana,” Moore said. “After 13 years here, I’m glad to be with you today to celebrate the next chapter in our history.”
In August, Hoosier Park owner Centaur Inc. announced plans to construct a 92,000-square-foot casino to house slot machines. In April, the Indiana General Assembly approved a bill authorizing slot-machine gaming at Indiana’s two pari-mutuel horse racing tracks: Hoosier Park in Anderson and Indiana Downs in Shelbyville.
Officials say the addition of slot machines could bring up to 500 additional jobs to Hoosier Park. Moore said a starting gate placed behind the podium was symbolic of the importance of Tuesday’s groundbreaking.
“We have a starting gate here for a reason,” Moore said. “This is the start to a new beginning, and it also represents the connection between horse racing and gaming.”
Moore was joined by Anderson Mayor Kevin Smith and three Centaur officials: Roderick Ratcliff, chairman and CEO; Jeff Smith, managing director of racing; and Jim Brown, general manager of gaming.
“We’re seeking greater investment and greater job opportunities,” said Mayor Smith. “No. 1, this is a multimillion-dollar investment in our city. It will support our city infrastructure and bring a whole array of new jobs.”
Hoosier Park officials expect the $30 million casino to be complete in June 2008. Last month, during a meeting of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, Indiana Downs officials announced plans to open a temporary casino as early as April.
“I’m really thrilled to be here at what could be Indiana’s first racetrack-casino,” Brown said. “I’ve heard that another place down the road could have a temporary facility in April. If so, they’ll be saving the best for last.”
Centaur has brought in Buffalo, N.Y.-based LPCiminelli to serve as project manager and Geupel-DeMars-Hagerman Construction Managers to oversee construction. Last month, Hoosier Park began accepting bids for services including carpeting, electrical work, sheet metal and fire protection.
Centaur recently received the go-ahead for a “racino” project in Pennsylvania. Between the two projects, Centaur will spend $900 million, including a $150 million licensing fee to be paid to the Indiana Gaming Commission on Nov. 1.
“We’ve been chasing this dream for a long time,” said Ratcliff. “It’s one of the toughest things I’ve ever done. But we’ve made it, and we’re going to make it something you’re all going to be proud of.”
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Hoosier Park groundbreaking
- Estimated number of new jobs: 500
- Estimated revenue to the state generated annually: $80 million (plus $250 million licensing fee)
- Estimated annual revenue to local government: $8 million (plus $1.6 million in property taxes)
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Discussion
7:23 p.m.: Off and running: Officials break ground at Hoosier Park
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