Lone Star to install new video board

Plans are in the works for a new infield video board at Lone Star Park, which has been served by the same JumboTron since the track opened in 1997. The Grand Prairie Sports Facilities Development Corp., which leases the Lone Star facilities to Global Gaming, last week approved contributing as much as $500,000 toward the project in a move that matches funds committed by Global.

“It’s a 50-50 proposition, with our limit $500,000 if it goes over $1 million,” said Tannie Camarata, treasurer for the sports corporation.

The project calls for replacing the JumboTron with a larger video board. Changes are not being made to the current tote board. Camarata said sports corporation board members understand the project will start about a week after the end of the current Thoroughbred meet, with the goal being to have the new video board operating before the start – or about a week into – the Quarter Horse season that begins Sept. 14.

As a result of the project, which a Lone Star official said would require heavy equipment on the track, Lone Star will not operate as a training center immediately following the close of the current meet July 8. Lone Star officials said the track would reopen for training Aug. 27.