Columbus, OH

If you enjoy harness racing, Columbus has you covered. Just south of town you’ll find Scioto Downs.

Celebrating 45 years of history, Scioto Downs features live harness races and simulcast harness and thoroughbred races throughout the evening.

You can spend $1.50 for general admission, or $3 for clubhouse/penthouse admission.

IMHO: We recently spent an evening at the track, including having dinner in the Clubhouse restaurant. The ambiance was great, but the food was only adequate. The clubhouse also takes reservations, but having a reservation right when they opened didn’t do us any good, as they were seating everyone right away and we still had to wait in line with people who did not have a reservation. As a restaurant, I was unimpressed, but I know people who love to go for the food, so hopefully it was just an off night.

But, hey, who really goes to the track for the food?

If you like betting, the ticket windows are easily accessible. The track is well maintained and the parking lot is well lit.

All in all, I think Scioto Downs is a good time whether you like harness races or like me, you just love horses.

From the Scioto Downs website:

Simulcasting Year-Round - seven afternoons & nights a week,
thoroughbred & harness!
FREE Parking and Admission for simulcasting.
Carrel Seating - including the revamped Penthouse Racebook - is always FREE!
Simulcasting begins with mid-afternoon West Coast T’bred signals [app.4 p.m.]
Gates Open one hour prior to first simulcast race.
LIVE SEASON PRICING:

Grandstand Admission: $1.50 - FREE Sun, Mon, Tues, & Wed
Clubhouse/Patio/Penthouse Admission: $3.00 - FREE Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed
General Parking: $1.00 - FREE Sun, Mon, Tues & Wed
Preferred Parking: $1.00 addl. - FREE Sun, Mon, Tues & Wed

First race post time: 6:30 p.m.
Holiday matinee post time (in lieu of night card): 1:00 p.m.

HOW TO GET THERE

Scioto Downs is located two miles south of Route 270 on Route 23 South (High Street). 270 is easily accessible from I-70 and I-71.

As always, Scioto Downs serves alcoholic bevarages. Columbus must have at least a dozen cab companies & Scioto Downs wants you back to play another day. If you are going to drink, play it straight–designate! Or let us call you a cab. Columbus wants you to go home healthy, so you can come back happy!