Remington Park’s Racing Casino, Oklahoma City’s newest entertainment hotspot, has only been open for a very short while – following a much publicized $35 million renovation – but is already turning heads and having a positive impact on the state’s economy and image.

The renovation was intended to bring back the large crowds that were common when the facility originally opened in 1988 (when it was new, 13,000-fan days were common). Magna Entertainment Corp. wagered that a facelift to the facilities, combined with the addition of a truly world-class casino, would boost attendance and increase revenues, which would in turn lead to larger purses.

It seems their goal is becoming a reality. Within an hour of opening, approximately 1000 people were on the casino floor, and in the first nine days total attendance reached over 41,000.

“Our investment is paying off and people are excited,” said Brenda Sanchez, Remington Park Casino General Manager. “We opened as soon as we could and have had great attendance, even with minimal advertising and during a holiday.

The renovation includes: 650 state of the art gaming machines; a porte-cochere (covered valet entrance); the Wild Rush Bar with overhead sound stage and 6 big screen TVs; a buffet restaurant (featuring an international chef from Trump Plaza); a luxury race book with stadium seating and individual flat screen monitors; and 360 degree “Dynascan” LCD monitors).

Since its opening on November 21, education funding has received a $160,000 infusion, more than 300 new jobs have been created, and tourism prospects for the entire Adventure District is at an all-time high.

The horse industry is also experiencing new life and larger purses as a result of the investment. Racetrack officials recently announced that the 2006 Remington Park Futurity will be run as a Grade 1 stakes, with an expected purse of $750,000.

Just the prospect of the casino’s planned opening in late November drew the best horses the Oklahoma Derby has seen in some time to this year’s event. George Steinbrenner, owner of baseball’s New York Yankees, entered one of his horses to compete in a field that also boasted the West Virginia Derby winner and a stablemate of this year’s near Triple Crown winner, Afleet Alex.

“Oklahomans have reason to get excited about what’s happening out here,” Remington Park’s general manager, Scott Wells, said. “Remington Park is the new crown jewel of the Oklahoma Adventure District.”

“Oklahoma City is surging as a sporting city,” Wells said. “It’s about as diversified a city as you can find on the map right now. It’s a sport fan’s dream, and from our end, we’ll make it even better. Some big-time trainers and jockeys will be coming back to us and this bodes well for the city.”

The next step will be increased economic development in the way of new hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues to complement the upswing of the area surrounding Remington Park dubbed the Oklahoma City Adventure District.