Edited press release
Off-track wagering in New Jersey will officially launch March 30 when “Favorites in Vineland” opens it doors. Owned and operated by Greenwood Racing, the facility is the first of 15 such facilities scheduled to be built statewide.
The 13,500-square-foot Vineland betting site, with seating for 300 patrons, will offer full-card simulcasts 12 hours a day, seven days a week from noon to midnight. The dominant feature of the facility is an enormous, oval-shaped sports bar that is the centerpiece of the design.
Four hundred video-production units positioned throughout the facility will incorporate the latest in cutting-edge technology featuring plasma screens and high-definition video, particularly in the sports bar area, where fans can also enjoy major sporting events.
“Favorites in Vineland,” finished in rich woods, marble, and granite, will be an entirely non-smoking establishment with an upscale grill offering everything from appetizers to burgers, fish, and steaks. Admission will be limited to individuals 18 years of age or older.
“The city of Vineland, Cumberland County, and New Jersey state officials have been tremendously welcoming and supportive of our project, and we are pleased to open this business in such a warm and inviting climate,” Greenwood chief executive officer Hal Handel said. “We’ll do our very best to make this community proud and pleased to have opened their doors to us.”
An official ribbon-cutting ceremony, featuring local, county, and state dignitaries, as well as company officials, will be held the evening of March 29.
Greenwood owns Philadelphia Park Casino & Racetrack in neighboring Pennsylvania and Atlantic City Race Course, which is located southeast of Vineland. Atlantic City offers year-round simulcasts and in late April and early May will host four days of live Thoroughbred racing on the turf.
Greenwood has plans to redevelop the Atlantic City property with a smaller, more efficient grandstand that would include an upscale off-track wagering facility. The company also is considering having a longer meet at Atlantic City in future years.