Churchill Renames OTBs

Churchill Downs is branding its nine off-tracking betting outlets with the new name "Trackside."

"Just as we have worked aggressively to brand our live racing product under the banner of Churchill Downs Simulcast Network, we realize the importance of creating a common identity and shared brand for our off-track distribution network," said Tom Meeker, Churchill Downs' president and chief executive officer.

The new name will appear on the off-track facility in Louisville and three in Indiana that operated under the name "Sports Spectrum." The Indiana OTBs are in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Merillville. The other five Illinois OTBs are in downtown Chicago, Rockford, Waukegan, East Moline, and Arlington Heights.

"Trackside" was derived from the Arlington Heights facility. Meeker said the new name best reflects the OTB environment, which blends live racing with the ambiance and amenities of a sports bar.