If you read this column on a regular basis then you have heard us talk about a
rumored NASCAR track operation that might be coming to TUNICA RESORTS. These early
sightings have legs and now we can put a name on the organization that is supposedly
attempting to make this venture a happening thing here. It's called TUNICA MOTORSPORTS,
INC. and right now it is based in Memphis. The group made a presentation recently
to casino execs and some preliminary renderings and ideas were outlined that puts
the facility on 505 acres adjacent to Highway 61 south.
We understand the complex would be comprised of a 1-mile D-shaped racetrack,
drag strip, as well as a 1.9 mile road racing course. Plans call for grandstand
seating for 120,000 spectators and 50 luxury suites along the front stretch
and grandstand seating for 30,000 more on the back stretch. It sounds like an
ambitious project, especially without a NEXTEL race commitment for the park.
NEXTEL is plowing some $700 million into NASCAR racing over the next ten years
and a piece of that pie would go a long for the proposed park. The INTERNATIONAL
HOT ROD ASSOCIATION (IHRA) reportedly has some interest in the park but it will
need lots more activity to make a go of it.
Of course this would be a terrific addition to growing Tunica Resorts and make
it a top destination, something it is on its way too anyway, but a park would
spur that growth. Don't know where the funding would come for this expensive
facility but that's for a later story when the group behind the project feels
the time is right to go public with the proposal. I hope it works out but being
a reporter I am naturally a skeptic. Show me the money!
At one time in my checkered career I was a marketing consultant for the SHREVEPORTS
PIRATES of the Canadian Football League. While summering in that Northwest Louisiana
city I met ANTHONY SANFILIPPO who was general manager of HARRAH'S gambling boat
that had just opened for biz. Anthony survived Louisiana and its Byzantine politics
and has moved up in the world, we are happy to announce. He has just been appointed
as president of Harrah's Entertainment Central Division which includes Mississippi
and Horseshoe Casino when that acquisition is completed in the first half of
next year. I'll wager Anthony can properly pronounce "Laissez le bon temps
Rouler!"
Speaking of Harrah's, it plans to launch an online gaming venture called "Lucky
Me" in the United Kingdom in the first quarter of 2004. Initially, the
games will be offered only in the UK but Harrah's has its corporate eye on Internet
and interactive gaming as other jurisdictions define their position on this
form of gambling. It will be different in that it is subscription-based play,
differing from 'pay-as-you-play" internet gaming. And the company's support
of the MEALS ON WHEELS program won a 2003 CRYSTAL OBELISK AWARD from the Foundation
of Women Executives in PR.
If you want to call HOLLYWOOD CASINO, they have a new local number…(901)
271-0711. Of course, the toll free number is still in action at (800) 871-0711.
Stop in and visit the GOODTIMES RADIO SHOW which will do a remote broadcast
live from the Atrium at SAM'S TOWN on Saturday, DEC. 6, from 9:30 to noon. It's
the day before PEARL HARBOR DAY, but we won't have any surprises but a lot of
info on the casinos new all-encompassing marketing repositioning strategy. For
more complete info on the fun changes at Sam's Town, check out the feature on
page one.
PARK PLACE ENTERTAINMENT tells us that its CONNECTION CARD rewards earned by
customers at Grand, Bally's and Sheraton in Tunica Resorts can now be redeemed
for getaways at the company's casino resorts in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and
other major gaming markets in the USA. GOLDSTRIKE will hold its second MISSISSIPPI
CRAPS CHAMPIONSHIP on Feb. 20-22 with $50,000 on the line. The $500 buy-in includes
a comp room, welcome reception and banquet. Call 1-888-24K-PLAY if you want
a shot at a $25,000 first place payoff.
Rooms for the JACK BINION WORLD POKER OPEN are selling earlier and faster if
you plan to attend or be in Tunica Resorts Jan. 6-jan. 25. Speaking of Jack,
had the pleasure of having lunch with him recently at the 'Shoe and he is just
as advertised, friendly, low-key and verrry interesting.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you out there in casino country where the women
are beautiful and the men expert gamblers.
For you would-be poker players…. from the QUOTABLE GAMBLER, Lyons Press.
"How long does it take to learn poker, Dad?"
"All your life, son."
MICHAEL PERTWEE , quoted in David Spanier, TOTAL POKER (1977)
LAISSEZ LE BON TEMPS ROULER.
