Facility Notes

New York Gov. David Paterson Friday announced that the state has awarded the 30-year contract to operate Aqueduct Race Track's new video lottery terminals to Aqueduct Entertainment Group. In New York, Paul Post noted the decision "should prevent any threat of a racing shutdown" at the track, because Aqueduct Entertainment is obligated to give NYRA "funds to keep operating until the racino comes on line" (THE SARATOGIAN, 1/30). Delaware North in '08 won the rights to develop the racino, but "had to back out last spring when it could not raise" the $370M it "offered in an upfront payment to the state" (BUFFALO NEWS, 1/30).

ManU CEO Adamant Old Trafford, Carrington Training Base Won't Be Sold To Raise Funds

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS: Manchester United CEO David Gill is "adamant Old Trafford and the club's Carrington training base will never be sold to raise funds" as previously suggested. Gill: "I can categorically confirm Carrington and Old Trafford will never be sold to raise funds." He noted the "sale and lease back opportunity" for the practice facility is "done for financial and tax planning." But he added, "I am 100% convinced the sale and lease-back of Old Trafford will never happen under the Glazer ownership. I say that unequivocally, with no hesitation" (PA, 1/31).

RIDING SHOTGUN: In Columbus, Mark Ferenchik reported NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon is "involved in the racetrack proposal for Cooper Stadium, which also could include a mechanic's school and auto-technology center." Jeff Gordon Inc. VP & GM John Bickford said that Gordon will "help design the half-mile track." Project developer Arshot Investment Corp. has an option to buy the 46-acre site at Cooper Stadium eyed for the development (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 1/29).