$7 Million in Front Side Improvements, $7 Million to Backside $1 Million Day to Feature Special Events & Marylandia

LAUREL, MD – New hardwood floors, rugs, paint, furniture, concession stands, mobile app, simulcast and replay center, televisions, bars, barns…

When the 30th running of the $1 million Jim McKay Maryland Million is celebrated Saturday, it will serve in many ways as a coming-out party for the new Laurel Park. In the past eight months, the Maryland Jockey Club has spent approximately $14 million in improvements to its facility with approximately $7 million going into its grandstand and clubhouse.

“It’s been exciting to see people’s reaction to the improvements throughout the facility,” said Maryland Jockey Club President and GM Sal Sinatra. “The reaction from the public and horsemen has been nothing but positive. We’re looking forward to showcasing the facility this weekend.”

Guests will see hardwood floors when they enter the facility, new rugs, and a new blue-and-white color scheme. The area outside Tycoons on the first floor will feature a new dining area called the Garden Terrace, and the new simulcast center Silks will feature a 17 ½-foot high definition television, dozens of flat-screen televisions, new carrels, a Bose sound system and mobile app that allows fans to listen to their favorite track on their mobile device.

The first floor will also feature two new concessions – the Smokehouse and Sweets & Treats – a replay center next to Silks and an indoor-outdoor bar with Flying Dog Brewery beers. The Terrace Level on the third floor will also have hardwood floors, new walls and new furniture.

Meanwhile, the second of two new barns is under construction on Laurel’s backside and is scheduled to be completed by November.

The 30th Jim McKay Maryland Million will have several new events including Marylandia, featuring food trucks, live entertainment, and Flying Dog craft beers and cider.