Turf Paradise Undergoes Major Revamp Under New Management

URGENT UPDATE: Turf Paradise, the oldest major sports venue in the Valley, is undergoing a significant transformation under new management. Effective immediately, Tom Ludt has been appointed as the general manager, promising to take the iconic racetrack to new heights.

Located near 15th Avenue and Bell Road in Phoenix, Turf Paradise has been a cornerstone of thoroughbred racing since it opened in 1956. Now, with major renovations underway, the venue aims to rejuvenate its offerings and attract a new generation of racing fans.

Ludt, a seasoned veteran in the racing industry, previously managed Santa Anita and served as head of the Breeders’ Cup. He brings over a decade of experience from the Kentucky Racing Commission to his new role. “It’s a wonderful city. It’s the perfect time of year. They have a great population, economics, everything fits well, and they’ve just never really pushed horse racing,” Ludt stated.

The first phase of the renovation involves a multi-million dollar investment in the track surface, which Ludt emphasizes is vital for safety. “This all starts with the horse. The horse is our star,” he said. “We’ve spared no expense on this dirt and maintaining this turf course.”

In addition to upgrading the track, the new management team is also enhancing the general admission and grandstand areas to improve visitor experience. The arrival of legendary track announcer Vic Stouffer, recently coaxed out of retirement, adds to the excitement. Stouffer, who has a storied career calling races at Hollywood Park, expressed his eagerness to join Turf Paradise due to the reputation of the new operators. “These are major players in the racing industry, and I realized that I wanted to be a part of that,” he said.

Despite the ambitious plans, Ludt cautions that the success of these changes will take time to manifest. “We have to create an environment that’s appealing to the novice and the big player,” he remarked. “We want people to come back to the track.”

Turf Paradise currently hosts live racing events from Monday through Thursday and occasionally on Fridays and Saturdays. The updated racing schedule is available on their official website, signaling a renewed commitment to the sport.

As construction continues, the community watches with anticipation to see if the revitalized Turf Paradise can reclaim its former glory and become a premier destination for horse racing enthusiasts.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Turf Paradise embarks on its exciting new chapter.