OAK GROVE, Ky. – Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel announced Wednesday it plans to open its gaming floor, four restaurants and event center on Friday, Sept. 18, at 10 a.m.
The hotel, equestrian center, amphitheater, RV Park as well as the second season of live harness racing will follow later in the fall, according to a news release.
“We are thrilled to finally open our doors and welcome guests in just a few shorts weeks,” Darold Londo, president and general manager, said in the release. “We have an exceptional team assembled ready to deliver what we know will be a premier entertainment experience and destination for Christian County, Western Kentucky and the entire region.”
Construction began in April 2019 and continued with only minor delays through the COVID-19 pandemic. The $200 million development project is on U.S. Highway 41A off Interstate 24 Exit 86 near Clarksville and across from Fort Campbell’s Gate 5.
To ensure COVID-19 precautions, Oak Grove Racing will open and operate under capacity restrictions in compliance with state and local requirements as well as follow all Centers for Disease Control recommendations. That includes social distancing, personal protection and enhanced cleaning.
What will be offered
Perhaps the main feature of this stage will be up to 1,300 state-of-the-art HRMs, or “historical racing machines” – essentially video gambling machines that allow people to bet on races that have already taken place.
These will make up the initial gaming floor with themes from Ainsworth, Scientific Games and International Gaming Technology companies, the release said.
The dining options will include Garrison Oak Steakhouse, quick serve eateries Lucky Lime Tex Mex and SGT. Peppers Po’Boys and Burgers and O’Dark Thirty Coffee House. Oak Grove will boast additional food and beverage amenities upon opening, including a feature sports bar with state-of-the-art LED panels and large format TVs, the Peak-A-Boo bar and a luxurious lobby bar.
What comes next
Live harness racing will return to Oak Grove in October and November for the second fall meet and will feature 12:30 p.m. post times daily. The meet will resume on Wednesday, Oct. 14, and Thursday, Oct. 15., and then continue on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Oct. 19 through Nov. 11.
The 128-room hotel and 30-slip RV Park are slated to open in early-to-mid October. Completion dates for the Amphitheater and Equestrian Center are expected by November 2020.
The development of the Oak Grove property resulted in an estimated 800 construction jobs and, upon completion will create nearly 400 direct full and part time-equivalent employment positions, the release said. Oak Grove is a joint venture partnership between Churchill Downs and Keeneland Association. For more, visit www.oakgrovegaming.com.