Sam Huston Installs "Rookie Room" Caters to First Time Customers
| November 21, 2009 When Sam Houston Race Park starts its thoroughbred season the day after Thanksgiving, several changes will be obvious. The track is gradually replacing its 1,664 TVs with high-definition models. Workers will complete change-outs of 44 sets this week. Only Churchill Downs and Fair Grounds, which are in their live racing seasons, and Keeneland transmit simulcast signals in HD. Churchill Downs owns Calder and will probably add the Florida track to its HD array. Expect other tracks to follow that trend. SHRP has also set up a “rookie room,” which will cater to first-time customers. When someone who appears to be a newcomer enters the main building, designated staff members will suggest a session in the rookie room. There, track personnel will offer an overview of SHRP operations and a short course on wagering, then answer questions. Next, interested newcomers will be escorted to the paddock to review horses for the upcoming race. When horses leave the paddock to go on the track, newcomers will be guided trackside for an up-close look at the race. Hurricane Ike, the third most expensive storm in U.S. history, wiped out last year's SHRP thoroughbred season. The track enters its new season in high-response mode. Customers complained about parking fees on live-racing days. So the track tossed its parking charge except for holidays and special events. Earlier this year, SHRP eliminated indoor smoking and set up outdoor smoking areas. One step remains to complete the trifecta. The beyond-coarse language of some fans cannot exist in a family atmosphere that most sports venues seek. If SHRP desires a “G” or “PG” setting, it must next deal with those whose language sustains “R” status. |
