1st quarter 2008

New kennel club nears completion, future of old site remains in flux

Daytona Beach Kennel Club (DBKC) will never be the same. The popular venue for pari-mutuel wagering and has been a fixture in the region for 60 years.While its racing greyhounds have a loyal following, interests of DBKC patrons have evolved, leading to the creation of a new, state-of-the-art complex that will replace the venerable old facility.

The imminent move is exciting for patrons, and is creating anticipation as to the disposition of the current DBKC site, which is in the long shadow of the first turn at Daytona International Speedway.

“We’ve had an interest in purchasing the DBKC property for some time,” said John Graham, vice president of International Speedway Corporation (ISC), which owns and operates Daytona International Speedway and 11 other major racing facilities across the country. “But at this point we don’t own it. Therefore, it’s premature to speculate on potential uses in the event we were to acquire it.”

Meanwhile, construction of the new DBKC complex is moving along on schedule. The $30-million, 65,000-square-foot project is being built onWilliamson Boulevard at the Bellevue Avenue extension. It will employ 350 initially, with expectations of increased employment to as many as 400. If the current schedules hold, operations at the current location will cease May 17 and resume at the new locationMay 22, to be followed by formal grand opening during the summer.

“The new facility will have a warm, inviting atmosphere,” said Dan Francati, DBKC general manager. “Of course, the greyhound track still will be a major feature, but spectators will be able to enjoy live performances from a spectacular new restaurant and lounge, or on one of two outdoor patio seating areas. Our wait staff and roving tellers will serve our guests wherever they happen to be.”

As for the changing tastes of DBKC enthusiasts, these days they like to watch and wager on more than just live greyhound racing. They like to watch and wager on greyhound racing held in other venues, thoroughbred and harness racing, and jai alai. The new complex will feature 350 television screens that will simulcast a number of events. And, to meet the growing interest in poker, the new DBKC will have 52 poker tables, accommodating 520 players at a time.

As for the disposition of the site DBKC will vacate, it’s too early to know how it will be used or by whom. But with westward growth of Daytona Beach and the burgeoning International Speedway Boulevard area near Interstate 95, including plans for the exciting new Daytona Live! entertainment, shopping and dining complex, it’s probably a safe bet the property will not sit idle for long.