Kansas: Former Wichita Greyhound Park to reopen as Gilley’s with gaming and hospitality plans

The former Wichita Greyhound Park in Park City, Kansas, will reopen Dec. 15 as Gilley’s, a gambling and entertainment venue offering 1,000 historic horse racing machines, live music, an outdoor concert space, a sports bar, arcade-style attractions, and plans for a 96-room hotel.

The property, initially called the Golden Circle historic horse racing facility, is being redeveloped by Wichita businessman Phil Ruffin. The property is named Gilley's in honor of late country music singer Mickey Leroy Gilley, who passed away in 2022.

“I have been a personal friend of Mickey Gilley and family since the early 1990s, and it led me to bring the Gilleys’ experience to Las Vegas,” Ruffin said. “Now, with his wife, Cindy Gilley, leading the company, I’m bringing the iconic brand to Park City, Kansas—guaranteed to be the best entertainment destination in the region.”

In 2023, the Kansas Legislature approved Ruffin’s plan to remodel the former greyhound park to accommodate the machines along with a Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que, modeled after the concept at Ruffin’s Treasure Island Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The machines, which resemble slot machines, generate outcomes using the results of previously run horse races.

Alongside the 1,000 historic horse racing machines, the venue will include live entertainment and an outdoor concert area for future performances. Guests will also be able to wager on live horse races taking place at tracks nationwide.

Additional features will include the Golden Circle Sports Bar, a Barcade with classic arcade games, golf simulators, bowling, and dining options. Construction of the 96-room hotel will begin following the facility’s official opening in December.

“This is a full-blown destination,” said Tim Merrill, Gilley’s general manager. “Whether you’re chasing jackpots, dancing the night away, or just kicking back with great BBQ and a cold one- this is the place for you.”

Park City officials said the project is expected to attract visitors to the region. According to Mayor John Lehnherr, the city experiences an equal flow of people leaving and entering each day, and he added that Gilley’s would provide a place "where everyone will feel welcome and find their spot."