Starting in 1955, the Melbourne Greyhound Racing Association was formed and obtained a license to race greyhounds. Unable to pay a hefty price for their own property to race, they had begun leasing Maribrynong while waiting to earn enough money to get a track of their own. In 1961, the Melbourne Greyhound Racing Association’s rent increased from £7000 to £9500. They believed that this increase was extreme and decided to look elsewhere for greyhound racing venues. Shortly after they got permission to convert one of the ovals at Olympic Park while paying the Olympic Park Trust annual rent of £5000 or 12.5% of gate earnings, whichever amount was greater. In August 1962, over 6000 patrons attended the first ever greyhound race at Olympic Park despite the cold weather, where the Olympic Park’s Chief Secretary, Arthur Rylah, cut the white ribbon after the third race to officially announce the opening of the greyhound racing track at Olympic Park. The numbers of attendants and profits were descending starting in the early 1990’s, but that was not the Melbourne Greyhound Racing Association’s biggest problem they were facing. In 1994, their lease that had thirteen years left on it was broken due to tunnel construction. For the second time within twenty years, they were forced to move. The club considered relocating their venue to Broadmeadows. In 1996, the greyhound racing was transferred to Sandown while the Melbourne Greyhound Racing Association made their transition to the Meadows. After facing so much in their first 20 years of service, they were feeling optimistic about the things that Broadmeadows had to offer the Club. The new track at the Meadows took about a year and a half to be finished, and in 1999 they opened their doors. About 8000 patrons crammed into the racetrack for opening day. Racing is now held on Saturday nights, which is proving to be very popular among race-goers.
First Class Services
Despite having a rocky start, the Meadows offers many first class amenities and service. In addition to hosting greyhound races every Saturday night, they also have many other purposes and functions in the facility on other days of the week, too. With areas that hold up to 600 people, the Meadows is the perfect place to hold your work gatherings or personal parties.
You can also dine while enjoying the race. With views that let you see the race from where you are eating and picturesque skyline, dining at the Meadows is perfect for groups of any size. For an enjoyable dining and racing experience for small parties, the Temlee package is a great choice. Included in the price of the package is admission to the race course, a race book, a reserved table, tote facilities, a three course meal, with an entrée, main dish and dessert, waiter services, and access to the cash bar. For parties for twenty adults or more, the Rookie Rebel package is for you. With many of the same perks that the Temlee package has to offer, you also will receive standard beverages such as beers, soft drinks and house wines. Additionally, you will also get the opportunity to name a race. The race name that you choose will be featured in all form guides around Australia, in pubs, clubs, and even in Saturday’s Herald Sun.
The Meadows even hosts special events such as Girls’ Night Out and Sportsman Nights. The Meadows is also available for hosting the perfect Christmas functions during the month of December. There really is no better way to spend your Saturday nights with your friends or family than at the Meadows greyhound races.
