Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Reporter's notebook: Grandstand on the move

CLOVIS — When three different groups submitted applications last month to bring a racetrack and casino to Clovis, many of the details of the projects were similar: hundreds of jobs, millions of dollars of revenue for the state and a location on the east side of town.

One element that was not consistent throughout the three proposals was how spectators would watch the races, should the state's Racing Commission select their bid for the sixth gaming license.

The application from Full House Resorts out of Las Vegas included a concept for a moving grandstand, something its officials say will be the first of its kind anywhere in the world.

President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Lee said the genesis of the moving grandstand idea was twofold: a 20th century crew competition and an uninspiring trip to the Kentucky Derby.

Lee said one time he attended horse racing's biggest event and he realized that of the 170,000 people in attendance, only about 5,000 could actually see the finish, making him think, "That's a snooze. Why would you want to watch a race that far away?"

With a desire to find a new way to spectate, Full House turned back the clock to the 1934 Poughkeepsie Regatta, which featured a train full of spectators following the boats as they made their way down the Hudson River.

That's how Full House came up with its concept for an enclosed electric streetcar that can follow the horse race from the outside of the track at speeds up to 45 mph. Lee called it "a new use for existing technology."

Lee said he does not believe Full House would be legally required to provide seat belts for spectators, but it may do so to make passengers feel more at ease.

He still was not sure how passengers will earn a spot on the train, which will hold about 100 people. It could be reserved for people who have made a big bet on that race or it may have a separate ticket cost.

Asked if he had any concerns about intoxicated individuals injuring themselves on a train moving up to 45 mph, Lee responded, "They're not driving it."

— Compiled by Staff Writer Jamie Cushman

 
 
Rendered 03/18/2024 19:05