Sandy’s Racing & Gaming, a $75 million entertainment facility in Eastern Kentucky, celebrated its grand opening on October 26, 2023. The ceremony attended by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear represents the result of his support and the launch of the common development of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Revolutionary Racing Kentucky that reportedly secures almost 250 new jobs and millions of dollars in new tax revenues for the state.

New Racino Opening:

As PR Newswire reports, the property spreads across 75,000 square feet in Ashland, Eastern Kentucky. It also includes almost 700 historical horse racing games and BetMGM Race & Sportsbook features, as well as two performance stages to reportedly boast of a unique offerings in the area. Larry Lucas, Chairman of Revolutionary Racing Kentucky, reportedly said: “Last year, we promised to bring a first-class facility to Boyd County. Today, we can say – promises made, promises kept.”

The unique racing and gaming facility has been projected to include a quarter horse racetrack and an equestrian center to occupy 182 acres of land in the close vicinity. The project has been officially launched during the grand opening ceremony with the first ground leveling works symbolically done to announce the track construction scheduled to begin in early 2024. According to PR Newswire, the first races may be expected already in 2025 to mark the unique horse racing development in the state.

Gov. Beshear reportedly said: “Sandy’s Racing & Gaming is bringing top-tier racing, gaming and entertainment to Northeastern Kentucky, along with hundreds of new jobs for the people who call Boyd County and the surrounding region home. Congratulations to Revolutionary Racing and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for creating this exciting destination.”

Socially Responsible Development:

The partners to the deal commenced the construction in April 2023 after the Revolutionary Racing Kentucky had been reportedly awarded the ninth and final horse racing license by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. The construction works were executed under the leadership of Lexington’s D.W. Wilburn Construction and the Tri-State Building Trades to employ over 300 local union worker throughout the project. As reported, 90% of all materials and supplies were made in the U.S. to testify about the investors’ awareness of the domestic benefit.

Hosting Prominent Performers

The property of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, operated by the Revolutionary Racing Kentucky, includes a 5,200 square-foot high-end sports book with three cinema-sized screens, as well as daily entertainment amenities with two performance stages including two pianos and featuring local and national performers. The grand opening night therefore featured the country star Cole Chaney and the surprise appearance and performance of the last year “American Idol” winner Noah Thompson.

Racino’s Whereabouts

Sandy’s Racing & Gaming also includes outstanding dining amenities with branded meat, flat breads, and the Sandy’s only available Sandy’s Ale craft beer. As PR Newswire reports, the exciting new racino facility is located at 10699 U.S. 60 in Ashland and open from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, as well as 9 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.