Pocono Downs Owner Plans $160M Casino, $47M in Upgrades

PLAINS, PA-The owner of Pocono Downs here plans to spend as much as $160 million adding a casino and entertainment facility behind the racetrack’s existing grandstand and clubhouse. As part of the plan, the grandstand and clubhouse also would be improved and expanded for up to an additional $47 million.Plains Township planning commission unanimously gave the Mohegan Sun Tribal Authority a green light Thursday night to move forward with the project. A more detailed site plan and a final approval within 60 days is still required. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2006, when it is expected the developer will receive its conditional slot license from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The opening date would be approximately 14 months from the beginning of construction. The new 400,000-sf entertainment facility, dubbed the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, would contain approximately 2,000 slot machines, 3 full-service restaurants, a 300 seat buffet, a 15,000-sf food court, several bars and lounges, an 18,000-sf nightclub, a “Kid’s Quest” center, 20,000 sf of retail space and new parking facilities. In addition to the new facility, Downs Racing LP CEO Robert Soper says there are plans to make significant improvements and additions to the existing clubhouse and grandstand including a new simulcast facility, a two-story addition to the Grandstand, the installation of approximately 1,000 slot machines (upon receipt of a conditional license) and a new 10,000-sf food court. The grandstand and clubhouse will be connected to the new venue upon its completion. That project is scheduled to begin this September and last approximately 6 months. “These improvements will enable us to improve horse racing through designated slot revenues, increase purses and provide a better environment for horse race patrons,” says Soper, who unveiled the plans this week in conjunction with representatives of the Mohegan Tribe and the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, the owner of Downs Racing, based in Uncasville, CT. As part of the formal approval process, the team has submitted plans to the Plains Township Planning Commission. Keating Building Corporation would serve as the construction manager for the project. The project architect is Jeter, Cook & Jepson.