Cheyenne Frontier Days ‘Neighs’ Horse Racing Proposal

Cheyenne Frontier Days has decided not to pursue a proposal from Accel Entertainment to host parimutuel horse racing at Frontier Park, the organization announced Friday afternoon.

Accel's proposal offered to lease and make substantial upgrades to CFD’s infrastructure and facilities in return for CFD agreeing to host 16 days of live horse racing at Frontier Park.

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CFD officials estimate needing more than $150 million over the next 20 years to repair or replace Chute 9, the aging west side grandstands, restroom facilities, and other areas, and say the money from horse racing could have helped.

"A lot of people don’t realize that, unlike many other sports venues, we are not subsidized by taxpayers. We rely entirely on privately generated revenue,” said CFD CEO Tom Hirsig.

“It’s our responsibility to consider reasonable options that could allow us to remain a premier bucket list event that draws hundreds of thousands to Cheyenne every year," he added.

But many didn't think Accel's proposal was a "reasonable option."

Instead, the idea was met with passionate opposition from neighbors and others concerned about issues related to noise, traffic, gambling, and negative reports about animal safety at other horse racing venues.

And even if CFD had decided to move forward, the proposal still would have needed approval from the Laramie County Commissioners, the Wyoming State Gaming Commission, and the Cheyenne City Council.

Hirsig says CFD will now look for other potential revenue options.

"We have always managed to meet big challenges by working with our community to arrive at creative solutions," Hirsig said.

"Cheyenne is our home and we take great pride in the CFD brand," he added. "We are committed to continue delivering a world-class show that preserves and promotes Cheyenne’s history, culture, and tradition."