Fire at Tucson Greyhound Park
On May 28, 2009, Tucson Greyhound Park’s historic dome caught on fire during the second race. Mercifully, the 80 to 90 dogs were all taken to safety but I wonder if they were checked for smoke inhalation? That has not been reported on. Nobody was hurt which is good. There were only 20 patrons and 30 employees on the premises. The South Tucson and Tucson fire departments had difficulty putting out the fire which was caused by faulty electrical.
And in this article, the reporter made an error saying the kennels were air conditioned. Not! The media is never allowed in the back so there is no first-hand experience. If you read comments #48 and #49, a member of the Department of Racing task force says otherwise.
Kudos to the Arizona Daily Star for wondering how TGP can exist with only 20 patrons. They learned that the Tucson Greyhound Park makes their millions through off track betting. But what they failed to do is ask why TGP doesn’t pay any taxes to the state of Arizona on these millions of OTB dollars earned.
The last time they paid OTB taxes to the state was 1995-1996 and that was for $55,284. In the year 1994-1995, it was over $1 mil. Nothing has been paid to the State of Arizona since then by TGP for off track betting taxes. (See AZ Dept of Racing Audit Reports)
You’re facing a budget crisis and your elected officials are spinning out of control avoiding the issues. What’s with that?