Wheeling Island Racetrack

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Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57

Wheeling Island Racetrack 1 South Stone Street Wheeling, WV 26003

Wheeling Island Racetrack website

Year Opened: 1937

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Only Two Left

Wheeling Island racetrack is one of only two active greyhound racing tracks in the United States, both of which are in West Virginia. On the inside, the facility is very similar to horse racing tracks you may have been to, with stadium seating overlooking the track, TVs to watch races at other tracks, and betting machines for you to make your wagers.

Food & Beverage   4

The dog track has its own dedicated concession stand near the entrance, which offers chicken tenders, burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, nachos, hot dogs, and fish sandwiches, as well as snacks such as fries, popcorn, candy, and cookies. Prices are a little on the high side, but nothing that would surprise anyone who has been to a sports stadium before. There is also a bar tucked in a corner, which doesn’t seem too busy – because it is tucked away, some patrons may not even notice it.

There are plenty of tables with chairs in the venue, making it easy to sit and eat while you watch the racing.

Atmosphere   4

Wheeling Island racetrack has a pretty good atmosphere – the PA announcer especially does a great job announcing the races in her very energetic and lively voice. It is easy to see racing from anywhere inside the facility, and there are plenty of machines and cashiers available for you to make any wagers. Pro tip – if you use the betting machines on the far side, away from the concession stand, you shouldn’t have to stand in line. The ones next to the concessions are much busier, again likely because patrons may not notice the others tucked on the far side near the bar.

Neighborhood   2

Wheeling Island racetrack is located on the southern end of a tiny island, also called Wheeling Island, in the middle of the Ohio River; you can get there by taking Exit 0 off I-70 (yes, Exit Zero – one of the few in the United States). This section of the city is a bit dilapidated, with a few blocked-off roads and several ongoing construction zones. There are a few restaurants around, including local chains such as Bob Evans or Perkins, but only a couple of hotels nearby; most of the hotels in the area are about 10 miles to the east in St. Clairsville, Ohio, or 10 miles to the west near Wheeling’s city center.

Fans   3

Wheeling Island racetrack is pretty busy on the average day, though by no means would I call the facility crowded – you will be able to easily find space in the stadium seating, at one of the tables indoors, or even at one of the tables outdoors if you prefer to get closer to the action. Live racing happens Wednesday through Sunday starting at 1 pm, but the venue seems busier on the weekends.

Access   4

Getting to Wheeling Island racetrack is straightforward: take I-70 to Exit 0, which appears just after crossing into West Virginia when heading east, or just before entering Ohio when heading west. The only tricky part is navigating a few unusual turns on and off the freeway, a product of how the interchange is laid out. Once you are off the freeway, head south across the island and the facility is easy to find.

When you arrive, be sure to veer right and park behind the hotel, where there is a direct entrance into the racetrack – using that parking lot will save you from having to walk all the way through the casino from the main entrance.

Return on Investment   4

I would definitely recommend a visit to Wheeling Island racetrack, especially if you have never seen greyhound racing before. With the political winds as they are, we may soon see this sport disappear from West Virginia, as it already has from every other U.S. state. The views of the track from the facility are amazing, the PA announcer is a lot of fun, and you can also get the thrill of victory from picking the right dog, especially if you happen to back it with a few bucks on an exotic wager.

Extras   4

There are some greyhound statues outside, as well as some tables outside topped with bright yellow umbrellas. If you take a stroll out that way, you can see the greyhounds parade past before each race and see the dogs tear by on their way around the track.

The multiple video boards inside make it easy to see the odds change throughout the day, as well as on the giant videoboard outside. Like at horse racing venues, you can also bet on racing at other locations (simulcast wagering) if that is your preference, and the concession stand has some great food options.