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Canterbury Park reports renovations nearly complete; grand opening set for April 16
Summary
Canterbury Park staff told the Racing Commission the renovated facility is on track for a soft launch in early April and a public grand opening April 16, with an MSPT tournament and Derby Day events planned.
Canterbury Park staff reported to the Racing Commission on March 20 that renovations to the facility are nearly complete and the track is preparing a series of events to coincide with the racing season.
Staff said construction punch-list items remain but anticipated a soft launch around April 2, with the facility presented as effectively finished and a staff/employee day on April 1. Canterbury Park is scheduling an MSPT open tournament April 3–13 as an operational trial, followed by an official grand opening on April 16; staff invited commissioners to attend an open house and ribbon-cutting planned 3–6 p.m. on April 16 with the formal program at about 3:30 p.m.
Staff also described on-site improvements that will roll out as weather allows: restaurant and amphitheater renovations, asphalt and landscaping work, tree plantings and drainage fixes. Employees are preparing for Derby Day promotions and an expanded fan experience that includes horses on the track during fan hours, live music, and opportunities for fans to take photos with retired horses.
Context
- Staff said the facility will use the MSPT tournament (April 3–13) as a trial run to ensure operations are ready for the season and that the full public grand opening will feature ribbon cutting at about 3:30 p.m. on April 16.
- Staff described a 25th-anniversary celebration and related promotions planned for April during the opening period.
- Staff noted construction delays were minor and weather-dependent; April 2 was given as the target soft opening date and April 16 as the formal grand opening date.
