A rebuilt Ellis Park reopens for live racing July 19, only eight months after one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history damaged the racetrack facility and its stable area. The Henderson, Ky. track will conduct a 36-day race meet from July 19 through Labor Day, Sept. 4.

Horsemen and customers returning for the live racing season will be greeted by the most striking changes since Ellis Park’s main grandstand was erected in 1922. Notable new features at the track include its first-ever infield video board, an outdoor seating area that replaces the destroyed terrace grandstand, new décor in the Sky Theatre, and a rebuilt stable area.

Also greeting fans this year is Ellis Park’s new vice president and general manager, Brian Elmore, whose primary focus since assuming his new duties last February has been to oversee the track’s restoration.

“Our reopening is a true milestone in both the history of the track and this community,” said Elmore. “The outpouring of support we have received from across the Tri-State and the dedication of our employees throughout the rebuilding has been nothing short of remarkable