MIAMI GARDENS – The new Calder Casino at Calder Casino & Race Course celebrated its grand opening Friday. The single-level facility spans 104,000 square feet and features more than 1,200 slot machines.
The Calder Casino is the only casino at a Thoroughbred track in Miami-Dade County and is the second pari-mutuel facility in the county to offer slots. Voters approved a referendum to allow slot machines at the three existing pari-mutuel facilities in Miami-Dade in January 2008.
Calder broke ground on the new facility June 3 and completed construction last month. Calder also opened its 29-table Studz Poker Club in October.
Friday’s grand opening featured live entertainment, laser light shows and giveaways.
Pictured here celebrating the grand opening with Brazilian samba dancers are, from left, Kent Stirling, executive director of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association; Sam Gordon, president of the FHBPA; Richard E. Hancock, executive vice president of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association; John Marshall, vice president and general manager of racing at Calder; and Michael Anifantis, Calder’s racing secretary.
Photo by Jim Lisa
