Gayle Benson could buy Fair Grounds track [Saints VP says Fair Grounds isn’t for sale to their knowledge] (1 Viewer)

[HoustonGold]

They don’t deny report just say they are monitoring the situation

If Fair Grounds owner pulls out of LA, horse racing industry sees two possible local buyers

With the possibility that Fair Grounds Race Course might be for sale, two billionaire Louisiana horse breeders are seen as the most likely buyers if current owner, Churchill Downs, cannot wrest a subsidy from the state.

www.nola.com

Bernhard didn't respond to requests for comment. Benson declined to comment on whether she would be interested in making an offer for the Fair Grounds, but her spokesman, Greg Bensel, said that "she will monitor the situation."

“Mrs. Benson maintains a very strong and active role in the horse business (and) supports Louisiana-bred racing," Bensel said. "Relative to the Fair Grounds, it is an iconic part of the social fabric of New Orleans. She has a history of supporting iconic New Orleans fixtures."

 

[whodat649!]

What’s this got to do with the Saints?

 

[Clintonrebel]

What’s this got to do with the Saints?

Nothing. But it’s a great place to people watch. And maybe more interesting than arguing over Rattler bs Shough in June.

 

[guidomerkinsrules]

while i'm no fan of the state legislature - esp in regards to its dealing with NO
I am no fan of horse racing, so I'm not going to be sad if Churchill Downs goes away
I'd be much more in favor of Jazz & heritage 'buying' it and transforming it into permanent festival grounds
let all the smaller fests fair rent it for nominal fee - maybe even bring back Voodoo fest

 

[HoustonGold]

while i'm no fan of the state legislature - esp in regards to its dealing with NO
I am no fan of horse racing, so I'm not going to be sad if Churchill Downs goes away
I'd be much more in favor of Jazz & heritage 'buying' it and transforming it into permanent festival grounds
let all the smaller fests fair rent it for nominal fee - maybe even bring back Voodoo fest

Depends on how neighborhood would feel about this. They are okay with it 2 weeks a year but year round? Traffic issues, noise etc. I’m surprised the grounds at UNO Lakefront Arena don’t get used more often. That could be a much needed money boost for University too.

 

[guidomerkinsrules]

Depends on how neighborhood would feel about this. They are okay with it 2 weeks a year but year round? Traffic issues, noise etc. I’m surprised the grounds at UNO Lakefront Arena don’t get used more often. That could be a much needed money boost for University too.

Oh the NIMBY noise would be huge
But I’d bet you could turn the stable area into parking fairly easily (turn the roof into solar farm to offset…stuff)
Grounds owners buy a fleet of shuttles that whichever festival can use for free
There are ways to do it
(But also agree that UNO can use its facilities to much better effect)

 

[BigOdin504]

Can anyone chime in about how closing the 2nd oldest racetrack (oldest thoroughbred) in the nation is a bad thing fur the city?

 

[Grumpy Old Manatee]

My biggest question would be, does she want it to keep horse racing going or is she considering buying it for the real estate?Neither is wrong as she is a businesswoman.

That being said, while completely unrelated, how did things work out for the Fauberg Brewery? What next? She going to buy the old Jazzland too?

 

[guidomerkinsrules]

My biggest question would be, does she want it to keep horse racing going or is she considering buying it for the real estate?Neither is wrong as she is a businesswoman.

That being said, while completely unrelated, how did things work out for the Fauberg Brewery? What next? She going to buy the old Jazzland too?

To both I imagine the headwinds against growing a successful business in NO/La are quite strong

 

[St.Dan]

Man, that paywall on nola is an annoyance, isn't it?

Does the story say how much of a public subsidy the billion-dollar Churchill Downs wants?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Churchill_Downs_Incorporated

 

[HoustonGold]

Oh the NIMBY noise would be huge
But I’d bet you could turn the stable area into parking fairly easily (turn the roof into solar farm to offset…stuff)
Grounds owners buy a fleet of shuttles that whichever festival can use for free
There are ways to do it
(But also agree that UNO can use its facilities to much better effect)

Tad Gormley stadium in City Park would also be a good venue to have festivals and concerts. I remember Pearl Jam performed there in rhe 90’s. No need to cram shows at Fair Grounds.

 

[SonOfNOLA]

 

[HoustonGold]

My biggest question would be, does she want it to keep horse racing going or is she considering buying it for the real estate?Neither is wrong as she is a businesswoman.

That being said, while completely unrelated, how did things work out for the Fauberg Brewery? What next? She going to buy the old Jazzland too?

Things seem to be working out well with the car dealership thing. I think she got part of the Ray Brandt empire now.

Gayle Benson acquires 7 Ray Brandt dealerships and collision centers | New Orleans CityBusiness

The New Orleans Saints owner announced she has completed the acquisition.

neworleanscitybusiness.com

 

[BigOdin504]

Tad Gormley stadium in City Park would also be a good venue to have festivals and concerts. I remember Pearl Jam performed there in rhe 90’s. No need to cram shows at Fair Grounds.

When did that happen?
I remember pear jam at the lakefront arena and lolapalooza in 92 at the lake too.
I don’t remember any bands at gormley at that time.
I could be wrong and missed it.