One of Ohio’s best harness racing tracks just got better. Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs has a new look after recent renovations, including a whole new 30,000-square-foot grandstand and patio.
The new digs were unveiled at the Ohio racino for the first time at Scioto Downs’ Kentucky Derby Party on May 6. The rest of the public can experience the refreshed facilities now. Live racing begins on May 11 and goes through September.
What’s new at Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs
Scioto Downs’ new grandstand sports 730 stadium seats with a front and center view of the track. A new outdoor patio has seating for 280. Above the stadium seating area, two VIP rooms and two private balconies feature sweeping panoramic views of the track.
“Our new grandstand is an exciting step in the maturation of our offering here at Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs and the Caesars commitment to horse racing,” said SVP and General Manager of Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs, Amy Ankerson. “This new facility will provide our guests with an unforgettable gaming and entertainment experience delivering on our company promise to treat customers like royalty.”
Back on ground level, the clubhouse patio area has also been remodeled. A new teller area, a patio bar and self-service kiosks were added, along with plenty of TVs to watch the live and simulcast action.
The track itself got a bit of a facelift, too. A new winner’s circle and new fencing around the front of the track add to the fresh new look.
Scioto Downs live racing schedule
Live harness racing at Scioto Downs in Columbus kicks off on Thursday, May 11 and runs through Sept. 16. Races are held Tuesday-Sunday. Find the full schedule here.
Special racing weekends this season:
- July 1: The Next Generation races for 2-year-olds
- July 29: #SendItIn & Cleopatra Invitationals
- August 3-5: State Fair Racing
- September 9: Super Night with Ohio Sire Stakes Finals, the Charlie Hill Memorial Trot, and the Jim Ewart Memorial Pace
Eldorado features gaming, dining and sports betting
Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs was Ohio’s first racetrack to add slot machine gaming, making it the state’s first racino. The gaming floor features over 2,100 games and three open-air terraces with gaming. In addition to snacks available at the racetrack clubhouse, dining options include full menus at the Dash Cafe in the casino and Brew Brothers.
Now operated by Caesars, Eldorado added a Caesars Sportsbook in January for in-person sports betting. The sportsbook features live tellers and self-service kiosks and, of course, TVs for watching games.
Eldorado’s sportsbook does not include a new sports bar like some casinos and stadiums have added. However, the Brew Brothers microbrewery and gastro pub is a great place to catch a game on one of the many big screen TVs. Brew Brothers crafts 10 different beers on site and features a full food menu of pub favorites.
