Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Tioga Downs celebrates record weekend, seeks applicants for growing team

Tioga invites interested dealers to begin pre-screen process

Nichols, N.Y. - February 23, 2016 - Momentum continues to build for Tioga Downs as the racino celebrated its best weekend in history with new records for both credits played as well as monies paid out to guests. Collectively, visitors this past weekend placed a total of $12,875,181 in wagers, and $12,176,073 was paid out to guests.  On the heels of the best weekend in the racino's storied history, Tioga Downs has also announced that it is gearing up for open interviews for dealers to join its growing team.

"We are thrilled that so many players are enjoying the vibrant gaming atmosphere that Tioga Downs offers, and we are so pleased to be able to grow and welcome many from our community to join the Tioga Downs team in the very near future," said owner Jeff Gural.

Tioga Downs will hold a special Dealer Admission Fair this weekend for anyone wishing to learn more about dealer opportunities, including a free dealer training program.  As part of the Fair, open interviews to start the process for the dealer training program will be held this Friday, February 26 from 3 - 6 pm and Saturday, February 27 from 11 am - 1 pm. An additional session will be held Friday March 4th from 3 - 6 pm. Anyone considering applying for a position should register online at www.tiogadowns.com/expansion to receive information about upcoming opportunities.*

Tioga Downs offers live harness racing, video lottery terminals, video poker and electronic table games. A variety of eateries are also part of the current entertainment complex. Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, NY and Vernon Downs in Vernon, NY. Tioga Downs was recently recommended by the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board for a full gaming license. In the last decade, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 700 family-sustaining jobs and donated millions to nonprofit organizations. For more information on Tioga Downs, please visit www.tiogadowns.com.

* Pending regulatory approval.  Participation in the Fair, interviews, or training is not an offer of or guarantee of employment.  You must be 18 to play video gaming machines.  Please play responsibly.  24 hour problem gambling hotline:  1-877-8HOPE-NY.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Tioga Downs pays tribute to 50’s, 60’s rock and roll hits

Tickets to see the Belmonts on sale now

Nichols, N.Y. - February 11, 2016 - Tioga Downs is taking music fans back to a simpler time with next month's band, the Belmonts. From rock and roll to doo wop, the quartet is known for its realistic renditions of popular fifties and sixties hits. The Belmonts will entertain Tioga Downs' audiences Saturday, March 5 at 7 pm and 9 pm.

"We are pleased to pay tribute to an era in American musical history that isn't celebrated nearly as often as it should be," said owner Jeff Gural. "We hope those who have enjoyed this style of music for many years will bring their loved ones to share in the experience."

Tickets are on sale now for only $10 per person and can be purchased at the Tioga Downs Gift Shop and all Ticketmaster locations.

Four male vocalists make up the singing sensation, the Belmonts, a group that has been performing together for decades. They have eight labels, including a Christmas album, to their credit. When they aren't recording music or performing on stage, the group is still busy streaming music into homes across the country through its Internet radio station. Special weekly programming includes a doo wop revival show, a rock and roll revue and a "collector's corner," featuring rare musical recordings. More information about the group, including a link to their radio station, can be found at www.thebelmonts.net.

The Belmonts also have a number of honors to their credit, including being inducted into the Doo Wop Hall of Fame and receiving the Key to the City of Buffalo, New York.

Tioga Downs offers live harness racing, video lottery terminals, video poker and electronic table games. A variety of eateries are also part of the current entertainment complex. Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, NY and Vernon Downs in Vernon, NY. Tioga Downs was recently recommended by the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board for a full gaming license. In the last decade, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 700 family-sustaining jobs and donated millions to nonprofit organizations. For more information on Tioga Downs, please visit www.tiogadowns.com.

Friday, February 5, 2016

Tioga Downs to host qualifiers for harness racing championship

Two upcoming opportunities offer entries into main event

Nichols, N.Y. - February 5, 2016 - Tioga Downs will send two lucky contestants to the largest harness handicapping event of its kind, the $50,000 World Harness Handicapping Competition. Qualifying tournaments at Tioga Downs are set for February 20 and March 19, with one seat to the finals up for grabs at each event. Contestants can enter either tournament for a $60 entry
fee. The format of the tournaments requires contestants to make ten $2 win and place wagers on ten designated contest races. Contestants keep any winnings. The grand prize winner will also receive two nights of hotel accommodations and a $100 travel credit to the WHHC Final.

The winner of each contest will earn a spot in the WHHC Final to be held April 30 at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. Contestants there will vie for $50,000 in prizes (payouts to the top ten) and the coveted title of "harness handicapper of the year."

"The World Harness Handicapping Championship is a big event that people look forward to every year," said Tioga Downs owner Jeff Gural. "We are so pleased to be able to offer two highly sought after opportunities at our Tioga and Vernon properties to earn a spot to participate."

Qualifying events are also being held at Vernon Downs, the Meadowlands and numerous other racetracks and online sites.

Tioga Downs offers live harness racing, video lottery terminals, video poker and electronic table games. A variety of eateries are also part of the current entertainment complex. Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, NY and Vernon Downs in Vernon, NY. Tioga Downs was recently recommended by the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board for a full gaming license. In the last decade, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 700 family-sustaining jobs and donated millions to nonprofit organizations. For more information on Tioga Downs, please visit www.tiogadowns.com.

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Tioga Downs brings back popular tribute concert

Spirit of Johnny Cash once again a sold out event

Nichols, N.Y. - January 28, 2016 - A popular tribute concert to legendary American musicians returns to Tioga Downs next month. The entertainment complex is bringing back The Spirit of Johnny Cash, which also features the music of Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen and more Saturday, February 6. This same show entertained a sold out audience during its 2013 run at Tioga Downs.

"We are confident fans of all ages will enjoy this show that highlights the music of some of the most influential musicians in history," said owner Jeff Gural. "We are pleased to be able to offer an evening of great entertainment at an affordable price."

The Spirit of Johnny Cash will occur on February 6 at 7 pm and 9 pm on the Tioga Indoor Stage. While tickets for both performances have already sold out, there will be a small number of tickets available for sale from VIP guests that register for comp tickets but do not show up to claim them.  The unclaimed VIP tickets will be made available on the evening of the show at the Tioga Downs Gift Shop for $10 per ticket.

Harold Ford is widely regarded as one of the best Johnny Cash tribute artists, bearing striking vocal and physical similarities to the late musician. Cash's own brother who has seen Ford perform sings his praises. After seeing his show in 2014, Tommy Cash told Harold, "There's hundreds of Johnny Cash impersonators, but you're different. I LIKED what I SAW!" (Source: http://thespiritofjohnnycash.com/). Tribute artist Laura Lucy joins Ford on stage as June Carter Cash.

Tioga Downs offers live harness racing, video lottery terminals, video poker and electronic table games. A variety of eateries are also part of the current entertainment complex. Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, NY and Vernon Downs in Vernon, NY. Tioga Downs is in the process of transforming into a full casino gaming resort to serve the Southern Tier and beyond as well as expanding its facility and workforce to accommodate live casino gaming. Construction on an expanded gaming complex is underway and Tioga Downs officials have confirmed that construction is on schedule.  In the last decade, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 700 family-sustaining jobs and donated millions to nonprofit organizations. For more information on Tioga Downs, please visit www.tiogadowns.com.