In the first of a series called ‘News from the Arc tracks’, Chris Black, soon to be general manager at Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium, discusses how the UK’s first new venue in a decade can inspire a fresh generation of racegoers.
I owe my career to greyhound racing.
It started in the restaurant at the now closed Hall Green Stadium where I worked my first job as a casual member of the track’s catering team.
Fast-forward two decades later and several promotions within the industry, our senior leadership team at Perry Barr is preparing for a once in a generation move to the UK’s first brand new destination for greyhound racing in more than a decade.
It’s an exciting time for the whole sport, and thanks to the multi-million pound investment made by Arena Racing Company as part of its commitment to the future of greyhound racing.
Opening night
Right now, the golden question is when will opening night be.
At the time of writing, we can’t provide an exact date – but we can say it will be in September.
It’s a unique position for greyhound racing to find itself in, with the sport typically associated with doors closing without another opening for almost half-a-century.
Relatively speaking, we’re working with a blank canvas. And therefore every aspect of Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium can be developed using the very latest technology and data which prioritises customer experience, outstanding facilities and, above all, welfare.
We’re fortunate to work closely in partnership with Albany Track Works and STRI Group, who have turned our vision into reality, and week-by-week visitors to Dunstall Park’s regular horse racing fixtures will bear witness to the progress being made.
Unrivalled facilities
From a customer point of view, we’re inheriting facilities which are unrivalled by any other track in England.
And for the greyhounds and their trainers, a 116-capacity kennel facility complete with air conditioning, heating, air ventilation, a vet’s room, x-ray facilities and interior washdown space.
Even on the infield, we’ve installed a water attenuation tank capable of recycling 750,000 litres of waste water and rainfall at any given time to minimise our reliance on water sourced externally.
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It’s been a long process, but we’re finally reaching the beginning of our new era.
One date everyone can book in their diaries is Friday, October 24. It’s the date of our first Category One final, the 94th running of the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks – one of UK greyhound racing’s original classic competitions.
Free admission
We want to showcase the very best our sport has to offer in a brand-new venue. It’s why admission on Oaks final night this year will be free for all racegoers.
Already, more than 600 people have pre-booked their free admission ticket – and we have bigger plans to get 2,500 people trackside on the night.
We’re not expecting people to simply turn up for a freebie. Leaflet drops, roadside advertising and news features in the local media all form part of our promotional plan to engage a whole new audience with greyhound racing.
Huge opportunity
Dunstall Park is a huge opportunity for our sport to respond to turbulent times and show greyhound racing in England is very much here to stay.
The stars of the track need promoting, and what better way to do that than in the eye of the public when our operation transfers to Wolverhampton.
We’ll be sad to leave Perry Barr – a venue which holds a special place in many people’s hearts I know.
But this move represents one that is sustainable while unlocking new opportunities for our sport.
See you on October 24!
Chris Black, General Manager at Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium.
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