MGM Northfield Park has temporarily closed as ownership of the Ohio racino transfers to a private equity fund managed by Clairvest Group, completing a deal first announced in October.

The property shut its doors on Monday, April 20, and is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, April 22, pending regulatory approval. MGM confirmed the short closure in a public announcement, saying updated property details and information on a new rewards programme would follow.

“New website and information about the property’s new rewards program will be provided soon,” the company stated, as reported by the Akron Beacon Journal.

The brief shutdown marks the operational handover of one of Ohio’s best-known racinos, located around 30 minutes southeast of Cleveland in Northfield.

$546 Million Sale Moves Into Final Stage

The transaction, valued at approximately $546 million, transfers the venue’s gaming business, entertainment operations and racetrack interests to Clairvest. The Canadian private equity group will operate the site through a 25-year lease agreement with VICI Properties, which owns the real estate.

Reports on the deal listed the sale value at either $546 million or roughly $540 million, depending on disclosures at the time.

The handover ends MGM Resorts’ ownership of the property after several years of operation. MGM purchased the venue in July 2018 for about $275 million when it was known as Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park.

That acquisition gave MGM a significant presence in Ohio’s racino market, where gaming is offered alongside horse racing rather than through full commercial casinos.

The venue currently offers video lottery terminals, sportsbook wagering through BetMGM, live harness racing and simulcast betting.

Northfield Park has roots dating back to the 1930s, making it one of the region’s historic racing facilities. The property later expanded into gaming after Ohio voters approved casino gambling, leading to racino development across the state.

Casino-style machines were added in 2009, helping transform the track into a broader entertainment destination.

Harness racing remains a major part of the business. The track hosts more than 200 race dates annually, maintaining its place in Ohio’s standardbred racing schedule while also drawing gaming customers.

The ownership change, therefore, affects more than slot-style gaming operations, as the venue combines racing, wagering, food and entertainment under one brand.

Clairvest Adds Another Gaming Asset

For Clairvest, the purchase adds another established property to a growing gaming portfolio. The company has said it holds interests in 36 gaming assets.

Its wider holdings reportedly include Delaware Park Casino, Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment in New Jersey, Wyoming Downs racetrack, and Nash Casino in New Hampshire.

The acquisition of MGM Northfield Park gives Clairvest an operating foothold in Ohio, one of the larger regional gaming markets in the United States.

The company has not yet publicly detailed whether branding changes, operational upgrades or new capital projects are planned after reopening. MGM’s notice, however, indicated that loyalty and rewards changes are expected soon.

That suggests customers may see new player benefits, updated digital services or refreshed marketing once the property resumes operations.

Because the closure lasts only two days, the interruption is expected to be limited. Still, the transition is a notable moment for regular visitors and racing customers, many of whom have known the site through multiple ownership eras.

The property has operated under several names over the years, including Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park, before MGM’s 2018 purchase.