Post by dad2paisley on Feb 25, 2006 15:46:52 GMT -5
ST. PETERSBURG - Fran Williamson has worked at Derby Lane since 1972, so when it comes to the greyhound track's history, she is a fountain of knowledge.
One of Williamson's favorite moments happened 20 years ago. On the night of Feb. 22, 1986, a record crowd of 12,779 showed up at Derby Lane to watch elite greyhound Keefer win the Distance Classic. She said there hasn't been another night like that, but Williamson, now the track's marketing director, expects a similar atmosphere March 4 for the Derby Lane Million finals.
"As it gets closer, it's incredibly exciting," Williamson said Friday. "The phone is ringing. People are here. There's definitely a different buzz."
When the Million started Feb. 11, a field of 64 opened the tournament-style event. Only 16 remain entering tonight's semifinals, which take place in races 8 and 10.
If the weather cooperates, Williamson is banking on another large crowd. Last Saturday's quarterfinals attracted a season-high crowd of 4,538, convincing track management a crowd of 7,000-9,000 is possible for the finals.
Through four rounds, Greys Calibrator (56 points) leads the points standings, followed by local entry Joe Hearns (54). To get more interest for the finals, Derby Lane is giving away a 2006 Hummer H3 on March 4.
For the greyhound owners and trainers from around the country, the $500,000 first-place prize - the largest winner's check in the industry's history - is enough to bring them to St. Petersburg in the next several days.
Williamson said she has heard from people all around the country who plan on being at Derby Lane a week from tonight, "whether they have a dog in the event or not."
One of Williamson's favorite moments happened 20 years ago. On the night of Feb. 22, 1986, a record crowd of 12,779 showed up at Derby Lane to watch elite greyhound Keefer win the Distance Classic. She said there hasn't been another night like that, but Williamson, now the track's marketing director, expects a similar atmosphere March 4 for the Derby Lane Million finals.
"As it gets closer, it's incredibly exciting," Williamson said Friday. "The phone is ringing. People are here. There's definitely a different buzz."
When the Million started Feb. 11, a field of 64 opened the tournament-style event. Only 16 remain entering tonight's semifinals, which take place in races 8 and 10.
If the weather cooperates, Williamson is banking on another large crowd. Last Saturday's quarterfinals attracted a season-high crowd of 4,538, convincing track management a crowd of 7,000-9,000 is possible for the finals.
Through four rounds, Greys Calibrator (56 points) leads the points standings, followed by local entry Joe Hearns (54). To get more interest for the finals, Derby Lane is giving away a 2006 Hummer H3 on March 4.
For the greyhound owners and trainers from around the country, the $500,000 first-place prize - the largest winner's check in the industry's history - is enough to bring them to St. Petersburg in the next several days.
Williamson said she has heard from people all around the country who plan on being at Derby Lane a week from tonight, "whether they have a dog in the event or not."
