Hoosier Park’s 19th season of live standardbred racing brings a number of enhancements and improvements with the opening of the 2012 race meet on March 27

, which promises to be its most exciting yet. The largest and maybe most noticeable improvement is the addition of a new, state-of-the-art tote board installed in the infield.

Hoosier Park’s patrons will now be able to view the races from a 16’ x 27’ video board that will be installed on top of the reconstructed tote board. Along with the addition of the jumbo-tron, the existing tote board will be highlighted by brand new indicators that will make the display much easier to read from all areas of the grandstand.

"This is a great enhancement to the live racing experience," vice-president and general manager of racing Brian Elmore noted. "It is going to be especially beneficial to the patrons. They will now be able to see the horses like they have never seen them before."

In addition to the enhancements to the tote board, Hoosier Park's design team has also added a new graphics package for fans to enjoy. A more viewer-friendly tote board is the result of Hoosier Park’s significant investment.

"Our Chairman and CEO of Centaur, Rod Ratcliff and President & COO of Hoosier Park, Jim Brown are both very committed to improving the racing product here at Hoosier Park," Elmore said. "It was at their direction that we do this project and I think that is a great reflection of their commitment to racing."

The few tracks around the country that do utilize a video board, typically operate with a 16-20 mm board, Hoosier Park's patrons will now be watching 12.5 mm video board which will create a much clearer picture and more interactive experience.

"It will be a great opportunity to market Hoosier Park and showcase Hoosier Park's premier events,” Elmore noted. “We are going above and beyond expectations to bring the patrons a better experience and there is no doubt in my mind that the horseman and patrons will appreciate Hoosier Park’s efforts to be proactive in providing a better racing product for the public.”

The 80-day meet will offer five days of live racing per week, Tuesday through Saturday, July 14.

(Hoosier)