Northville Downs 2023 Schedule + New Racetrack Construction Announced

Michigan’s only horse racing track has been approved to host 52 live races for the 2023 season. Each year, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) approves the schedule for the Great Lake State’s only horse racing track, Northville Downs in Northville, Michigan.

While Northville Downs was approved to host slightly fewer events than last year (62), racing fans have a lot to look forward to as the MGCB has allowed Northville Downs to accept pari-mutuel betting. The race track is also now allowed to simulcast races, giving more fans access to live events.

Northville Downs kicks off the season on April 7th. The venue is scheduled to host races every Friday and Saturday from April 7th through September 30th. According to the MGCB, the race track is only allowed to host events on Fridays and Saturdays and must have no fewer than 8-16 live horse races per race day. To view the complete schedule, visit this link. 

About Northville Downs

Just thirty minutes outside Downtown Detroit, north of Plymouth, is Northville Downs, a half-mile track that’s been hosting races since 1944. 

With just a $5 entry fee, the Northville Downs is accessible to almost everyone. Once inside, guests can visit the Trotside Restaurant, the grounds restaurant. The dining room can accommodate more than 250 guests and features a contemporary dining environment with a view of the race track. Better yet, enjoy your meal while watching a live race! Your reservation at the Trotside Restaurant reserves your table for the entire evening. The venue also has concessions available on the grounds.

Northville Downs simulcasts with TVG and offers wagering on both TVG and TwinSpires. Thanks to the MGCB, Northville Downs can now offer pari-mutuel betting. Pari-mutuel betting is a form of wagering where bettors can receive winnings if the horse they select places in the top two or three rather than winning outright. To learn more about horse wagering online or in person, visit Northville Downs’s official site. 

The racetrack is currently located at 301 S. Center Street, Northville, MI. 

Press Release from Northville Downs January 20th, 2023

According to a press release posted on Northville Downs’ official website on January 20th, the racetrack is ceasing operations at its location in Northville next year and moving to a brand new facility in Plymouth. 

After over 75 years of hosting racing events at its location, the leaders of operations at Northville Downs believe the building is “beyond its’ useful life and the new facility will allow us to implement the latest in horse racing innovations, and upgrade technology while we continue our grand racing traditions.” 

The new venue is rumored to be dubbed Northville Downs at Plymouth Township. The new racetrack will sit on 128 acres in Michigan’s International Technology Center. According to an article by hometownlife.com, the new racetrack would be a half-mile and feature a two-story, 4,900-square-foot grandstand and patio. Construction is also planned for a 23,000-square-foot racing building, a 35,000-square-foot horse barn, and a 3,200-square-foot maintenance building. The project is currently seeking Plymouth Township Planning Commission approval before it will be considered by the Plymouth Township Board of Trustees. The development team is hoping to be completed by spring 2024 and ready to host the 2024 race season for Northville Downs. 

“We are excited to have the opportunity to bring our family business to Plymouth . . . our plans for the new facility will bring immediate benefits to the Town of Plymouth, including serving as a venue for community events, utilizing local businesses, and creating jobs as part of the proposed multi-million construction project. The site plan and approval application was submitted to the Township of Plymouth earlier this week. Pending Planning Commission and Town Board approvals, the project is expected to be completed in the Spring of 2024,” John Carlo, Northville Downs Owner and Director of Operations. 

Mac Daniel is a Michigan native and freelance writer for PlayOnlineCasino and PlayOnlineSportsBetting. He has experience writing about a wide variety of topics, including healthcare, tourism, non-profit organizations, and most recently casino and sportsbetting news. To check out more of his work, visit: playonlinemichigan.com