Real estate investment trust Vici Properties has announced that it is donating almost 58 acres of land in Kentucky to the local community, which will be used as a recreational area for the region’s youth.
The company, which boasts a portfolio of 28 gaming facilities, is to give the aforementioned acreage, that formerly housed the Bluegrass Downs Race Track, located in Paducah, Kentucky, to McCracken County.
It is said that the land will be used as a youth recreational sports complex for soccer, baseball and softball, which will benefit approximately 1,200 children in the local area.
Craig Clymer, McCracken County judge executive, commented: “We are delighted. The location is perfect for our needs. For decades, kids have been playing soccer at the old landfill site. This gives us the opportunity to dramatically improve our situation.
“We have heard from so many parents about traveling on weekends to play in other cities. Now we have a chance to attract others to McCracken County. I wish to thank Vici for its generous contribution.”
Bluegrass Downs ceased operations in October 2019, with Vici Properties stating that the transaction will not impact any of the company’s lease agreements.
Vici’s portfolio of venues comprises over 47 million square feet and features approximately 18,000 hotel rooms and more than 200 restaurants, bars and nightclubs, as well as four championship golf courses and 34 acres of undeveloped land adjacent to the Las Vegas Strip.
Tenants include a variety of gaming and hospitality operators, including Caesars Entertainment, Century Casinos, Hard Rock International, Jack Entertainment and Penn National Gaming.
John Payne, president and chief operating officer of Vici Properties, said of the donation: “Vici is glad to be able to make this donation, which will directly benefit the communities in Paducah and McCracken County.”
