As you walk through the gold-framed doors of the Louisiana Downs, you now smell fresh coffee brewing and aee bustling excitement coming from the newly renovated restaurant on the main floor.
On Nov. 1, 2021, Rubico Acquisition Corporation took ownership of the once Harrah's Louisiana Downs. Rubico paid $22 million for the facility, which included a casino and horseracing track.
In late October 2021, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and the Louisiana Racing Commission gave final approval to this sale.
Three days following the takeover, the Shreveport Times sat down with co-owner and President of Rubico Acquisition Corporation, Kevin Preston. During that interview Preston said, “there is going to be a real transformation that is going to be happening over the next six months.”
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What's happened in two years?
Less than two years later, the Shreveport Times paid Preston a second visit and the transformation was evident with new eat shops and remolded spaces. The Louisiana Downs is now home to The Inside Rail, a sportsbook bar and grill, and Brew, a coffee and beer bar.
"I think all that stuff complements what we're trying to do, to get people to come down here," Preston said. "I think that's just one aspect of many."
Preston continued by saying they are improving races, slot products and are even getting rid of the carpet in the casino. "You know, I think anytime you go through an acquisition, it's always challenging. Especially with a property that's been open since 1974," he said.
The Louisiana Downs opened its doors Oct. 30, 1974, with approximately 15,000 fans in attendance for the first day of its inaugural meet. Located on 280 acres in Bossier City, Louisiana Downs has ushered in thousands of attendees for more than 49 years.
Built by the late shopping-center magnate Edward J. DeBartolo Sr., the track set numerous national records for handle and attendance throughout the ’70s and ’80s.
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What does the future look like?
"We inherited a property that had significant older generation slot products that we need to continue to improve," Preston said. "Over the course of this next year, we plan on bringing out at least another 100 new slot machines to the casino floor."
Preston continued by saying that later this year Louisiana Downs will welcome two new hospitality spaces, one of which will be in partnership with a local former NBA star.