Elvis Presley Boulevard Could Benefit From $50M Revitalization Project

By Amalia Otet, Associate Editor

Southland Park Gaming & Racing in West Memphis, Ark. has announced it will kick off a $10 million renovation project in December, as part of a plan to expand its gaming and hospitality facilities.

Southland Park Gaming & Racing has been a major racing venue for more than 55 years and currently features 1,000 electronic gaming machines, including video poker, roulette, craps and blackjack. The makeover will include the addition of 200 gaming machines— bringing the scene’s total to 1,200—a new sports bar and lounge, a permanent stage for promotions and entertainment, and several other enhancements, as reported by the Memphis Business Journal. Rogers, Ark.-based Crossland Construction Co. was hired as the general contractor. The project is expected to generate 60 new jobs, as well as a number of other temporary construction jobs.

“We’ve built our business on providing guests with exciting gaming and racing, delicious food and great hospitality, but we need more space to do it,” said Troy Keeping, Southland Park’s president and general manager, in a press release. “This project will ensure our guests can make the most of their visits and are comfortable while they’re here. Our hard-working staff will have the additional space and tools they need to keep providing great service.”

Southland Park is owned and operated by Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment, a company that operates gaming and hospitality services at locations in New York, Illinois, Florida, Arizona, West Virginia, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

The project is slated for completion by May 2012.

In other news, the Commercial Appeal reports that the Elvis Presley corridor might be in line for a major makeover through a joint city and state initiative. The revitalization project, which could begin by late 2013, would call for a $50 million investment to restructure a three-mile stretch of Elvis Presley Boulevard.

Besides being a gateway to Graceland, one of Memphis’ most appreciated tourist destinations, the corridor is an access point to several other neighborhoods and commercial venues, so its revitalization would benefit the entire community, business owners and residents alike.