[y2k_pony]

Tecumseh gets raceway, arena
The Windsor Star
Published: Friday, September 29, 2006

In a surprise move that sidesteps city council, Windsor Raceway announced today it will move to Tecumseh, bringing its racetrack, slots and plans for the area’s largest sports venue that includes a 6,500-seat arena.

The $50-million project includes a $15-million contribution from the Town of Tecumseh, the same amount the Project Icetrack Team — comprised of the Toldo Group, Rosati Group and Synergystic Attractions, which includes Wayne Gretzky — had asked for but failed to secure from the City of Windsor.

The 6,500-seat arena, which will also house Gretzky’s G99 restaurant and museum, is slated to open in 2008. Plus, the new facility will be home to restaurants owned by M-10 Enterprises and a yet unnamed hockey franchise.

“Today is a landmark day for Tecumseh,” Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara said. “Not only will the townspeople of Tecumseh be well served by this new facility, but this will be of great benefit to Essex County.”

The public/private partnership project will be built on 130 acres of land on Manning Road at Highway 401. It will include: a practice ice facility; guaranteed hours for community access; the new home of standardbred racing in the area; and a new raceway slots facility.

Brian Tropea, executive vice-president of the Ontario Harness Horse Association, supports the project.

“This facility will drive a renaissance in harness racing in South Western Ontario,” he said. “The location is ideal and we are certain that will realize a growth in interest in our sport as people attend this new facility. We can’t wait to start racing in Tecumseh.”

Tecusmeh council unanimously approved the deal with Icetrack at a meeting this week.


Yaahooo!!