Busloads To See $200,000 Upgrade At Sandown Greyhounds Thanks To Raceday Attraction Program
Thousands of people are set to enjoy a new results board which was jointly funded by the Victorian Coalition Government with the Minister for Racing Denis Napthine today announcing
a special bus service to transport local sporting and community groups to the track for an exciting day of racing.
Dr Napthine today attended the Sandown greyhound track to inspect the $204,000 work package and announce the new bus service which is being funded under the Coalition Government's new Raceday Attraction Program (RAP).
“The $204,000 package will see a brand new results board installed to improve sightlines for patrons and television broadcasts,” Dr Napthine said.
“The funding will also provide for an overhaul of the timing system with the old system now dated and costly to maintain. On top of this, three new high definition broadcast cameras will be installed allowing for top quality raceday coverage.”
The Coalition Government is provided $70,000 for the project with Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) providing the remaining $134,000.
Dr Napthine said the upgraded facilities would be enjoyed by thousands of extra racegoers with the Coalition Government announcing a further $60,000 to provide raceday buses for
local community groups and sporting clubs.
“The Raceday Attraction Program aims to engage a new generation of racing enthusiasts to enjoy a day at the track. Sandown's initiative alone could deliver an extra 7,200 people to the
races over the 27 weeks of the program,” Dr Napthine said.
“Sandown Park is one of Australia's premier greyhound racing facilities, making it an ideal entertainment venue for sporting clubs, social and work groups and I am sure this fantastic
initiative will become a popular Sunday afternoon event, particularly with prizes on offer for these groups.
Sandown Greyhound Racing Club Chairman Geoff Dawson said he appreciated the Victorian Government's support and looked forward to seeing racegoers experience the thrill of
greyhound racing.
“Now through the ingenuity of the State Government's Raceday Attraction Program and our partnership with Grenda's bus company, south east Melbourne's transit giant, the Club can
transport groups to and from Sandown Park for what will be a memorable day at the track,” Mr Dawson said.
“We are proud to be able offer this added bonus to attract groups to Sandown Park. I encourage anyone looking for a night out with a difference to contact CEO Greg Miller and his
team at Sandown.”
The Coalition Government has committed funding through the RAP to help boost on-course attendances and support the Victorian racing industry which contributes more than $2 billion
to the state's economy and provides employment for 70,000 people.