Sports of All Sorts
Urbana OTB closing
Posted by: Tony Bleill
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 1:25 PM
Visitors to the Urbana OTB today were greeted with some bad news. The following flyers were being handed out by employees:
Advertisement
"It is with deep regret that Urbana OTB will officially close at the end of the business day on Sunday, May 4, 2008, at the Brick House location in Urbana. Thank you for your continued support and business.
"We are actively looking for a new location in the Champaign-Urbana area.
"We look forward to seeing you at our new location, until then we will see you in Normal."
A couple notes:
First, you'll notice the closing date. That's the day after the Kentucky Derby. So, if you're like many people on Derby Day who make their bets at OTB and then go home to watch the big race, you'll want to remember to cash any winning tickets the following day or else you'll have to drive to Normal.
Second, the encouraging news for horseplayers is that it appears Inter-Track Partners is interested in maintaining an OTB presence in C-U. That's a good thing. The OTB moved into the Brick House a few years back after being the Country Fair shopping area for many years. At the time, OTB officials were encouraged by their setup at the Brick House. I don't know what changed, but it will be interesting to see if the new location is bigger or includes food options, as the Brick House did. It's just a guess, but I'm wondering if the Brick House didn't see the increased business it was expecting when the OTB moved in.
Third, I'm not sure how many C-U area residents who frequent the Brick House site will be interested in driving all the way to the Bloomington-Normal OTB. But if you do go, you'll likely have a pleasant experience. I've been there a couple times (including Breeders' Cup Day 2007) and it features a unique setup with multiple levels. It is attached to a restaurant, and the one meal I ate there was worthy of the price.
Comments
"I'm wondering if the Brick House didn't see the increased business it was expecting when the OTB moved in."
Maybe you could try finding out.
Posted by Wenalway on April 15, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Mr. Knilands:
You're too funny ...
Posted by TBleill on April 16, 2008 at 8:44 PM
Also, be sure to let us know when you're going to run that expose about the proof that Barry Bonds used PEDs. After all, according to you, there is proof.
Posted by Wenalway on April 19, 2008 at 8:06 AM
Also, be sure to let us know when you're going to run that expose about the proof that Barry Bonds used PEDs. After all, according to you, there is proof.
Posted by Wenalway on April 19, 2008 at 8:06 AM
Add a Comment
Previous Entries
- 9/2/2009
Big 12 football: early thoughts - 5/1/2009
The winner of the Kentucky Derby is ... - 4/29/2009
A Kentucky Derby primer - More…