NICHOLS — The owner of Tioga Downs says he plans to open the 161-room hotel that’s under construction in early November. The venue will open Nov. 3 “most likely for just our … top customers,” says Jeff Gural, chairman of American Racing and Entertainment. “And then we’ll probably begin taking reservations … a few days […]
NICHOLS — The owner of Tioga Downs says he plans to open the 161-room hotel that’s under construction in early November.
The venue will open Nov. 3 “most likely for just our … top customers,” says Jeff Gural, chairman of American Racing and Entertainment. “And then we’ll probably begin taking reservations … a few days after that.” Gural spoke to CNYBJ on Oct. 10.
Tioga Downs, an entertainment complex offering live harness racing, casino gaming and live entertainment, is located in Nichols in Tioga County.
Gural indicated the hotel will be known as the Tioga Downs Hotel.
P.J. Clarke’s, the venue’s newest eatery; the events center, and the new spa will open at the end of November, according to Gural. The event center is part of the hotel, he added.
The entire complex will employ between 800 and 900 people, including seasonal employees, says Gural.
Buffalo–based LPCiminelli is handling the construction work on the hotel, while Toronto, Ontario–based Climans Green Liang Architects Inc. completed the design work.
Those same firms are also involved in the construction of the new clubhouse at Tioga Golf Club.
Tioga Downs on April 12 announced it signed a 99-year lease with Tioga Recreation Association for the Tioga Country Club. The facility is located at 151 Roki Boulevard in Nichols, not far from Tioga Downs.
Tioga Downs signed the lease for the facility, so it can add golf to the menu of options it offers customers of its gaming, racing, and entertainment businesses.
The new clubhouse will include a new dining location, a pro shop, locker rooms, and banquet space.
Gural wants Tioga Downs to partner with other entertainment outlets in the Southern Tier, including wineries, the Corning Museum of Glass, and Watkins Glen International raceway.
“We’re looking to try to attract people who would be coming up from Philadelphia or New York City to visit these places,” says Gural.
