Penn National unveiled its plan for the Hollywood Slots at Mahoning Valley Race Course before a meeting of Austintown Township trustees. Penn National is relocating its Beulah Park facility to the Austintown area. The racetrack and gaming facility will be built on 186 acres near I-80 and State Route 46. Groundbreaking is expected this fall and opening is projected in early 2014. Penn National must first secure the necessary permits and get final approval from the state racing commission.

The track will be a one mile thoroughbred racetrack with no lights. All races will take place between noon and 5pm. Penn National must also apply for race dates. Beulah is offering 114 dates this year and similar numbers are hoped for with the Austintown track. Penn National has also indicated they will work with Thistledown, another track being relocated to the area, on the actual dates so they won’t conflict with one another.

The gaming facility will be open 24/7. In addition to video slots, the facility will have dining and retail areas. There will be an entertainment section which will feature local and regional acts. Patrons will also be able to watch, and bet on, horse races from around the globe.

Penn National must invest at least $125 million into the facility. They will pay the state $75 million in relocation fees. Another $50 million will go to the lottery commission for VLTs. Austintown Township will receive $1 million annually for the first two years and, under a memorandum of understanding, $500,000 annually thereafter.