Does Philadelphia Park Care About Racing Anymore?

[ShadowRoll]

Originally Posted by ALostTexan

From what I have heard from people that play at Penn National regularily, I have to agree. I am a little bitter at Penn National right now, because the are closing the OTB in my old home up in Williamsport, PA.

I am sure it is not profitable, because there were just not enough regulars up there and very few, if any, high rollers to make the place profitable, but it is discouraging. It is on a high-rent piece of property, though, so I am sure that the bottom line is what is forcing them to close, and it seems that it probably would have made sense to close it a long, long time ago...

ALostTexan

Even when I lived in Philly, I usually preferred to drive down 95 to Delaware Park rather than drive up 95 to Philadelphia Park. Now that I live in Chester County, Delaware Park is even more inviting. And the differece between the way the two places accomodate race fans is the difference between night and day. Never been to Penn National, even though I'm a stock holder (best investment I ever made), but I'm anxious to visit once the slots start up there. Not that I care about the one-armed bandits myself, but I can take my mom for the trip (who does enjoy the slots) which'll give me an excuse to go.

Incidentally, Tex, I lived in Williamsport for 4 1/2 years, so I feel your loss. The OTB was the third most popular diversion there (ranking right behind the Little League World Series and Clyde Peeling's Reptile World).

[saucon17]

Originally Posted by ShadowRoll

Even when I lived in Philly, I usually preferred to drive down 95 to Delaware Park rather than drive up 95 to Philadelphia Park. Now that I live in Chester County, Delaware Park is even more inviting. And the differece between the way the two places accomodate race fans is the difference between night and day.

Totally agree, rather drive the extra 35 Mins to Del Park, then get frustrated and pissed off at Philly Park for how they treat the horse players.

[Bystander]

Originally Posted by ShadowRoll

The OTB was the third most popular diversion there (ranking right behind the Little League World Series and Clyde Peeling's Reptile World).

Oh my God, Clyde Peeling's Reptile World- That is an amazing place!

[Port Conway Lane]

It's interesting for me to read the negative views about Philly Park. I attended for the first and only time in early April and enjoyed the experience. We sat upstairs and rented a cubicle with a tv for a buck,had large tvs with all the tracks in front of us as well. I was able to get a wagering machine (for lack of a better term) for free (in Maryland you pay $5 for it) and when the live races ran it was only 30 feet away to watch the races live. The people were friendly and helpful.
The simulcasting setup where I was sitting was better than Maryland tracks (try to locate a California signal in a number of simulcasting areas).
Since I have no frame of reference having never been there before I'm not endorsing Philly by any means. It goes to show ya if you've been fed crap all your life (in Maryland, which by the way has no slots) anything else tastes sweet.

[2 Dollar Bill]

I remember when they cared about horse racing.. Old Garden State, Liberty Bell, and Keystone ...all within a 30 mile ... Now you got a shopping mall (what was NEW garden state)... Liberty Bell..... Well the only Liberty Bell is Downtown @ sixth street @ market... and Philly Park.... Should I say more ??? a darn shame.... Lets hope that ""the ole' "" Atlantic City Race Track would make a comeback.... and have the Fantastic MatchMaker Stakes race gives us some more champions ! The casinos could of supported the track and made it a world class track & have the advantage of having their casinos in the tracks back yard.