Mar 16, 2016 | Racing
2016 Season Preview
Hello again, everyone! It’s wonderful to be back, writing to the Pocono faithful on the eve of another amazing racing season. Once again I’ll be with you in this column every week, giving you the goods on all the finest performances, shocking long shots, and outstanding action taking place at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono in this 2016 campaign.
After about four months away, everyone associated with the track is ready to roll on the new meet. And it feels like it’s a case of carrying over momentum, not just from our special 50th anniversary season of 2015, but also from the past decade or so of racing, during which time Pocono has ascended from just another harness track in a field of many to one of the finest racing establishments in all of North America.
It’s a bit hard for me to believe that this will be my ninth season calling the races at the track. I’ve been writing these columns for more than a decade now as well, so I hope people are used to my big yapper and long-winded bloviating by now. And in 2016 I’ll be adding host of the racing show to my duties from the beginning of the season, which should be a blast. With all of the excellent racing to discuss, and with my good buddies in the TV department propping me up, I might just be able to bluff my way through it.
So what does the 2016 racing season have in store for you? Well, for starters, there are some changes in the schedule. We start things off on Saturday March 19 at our normal starting time of 6:30 ET for Race 1. After a few weeks of easing into things, we settle into our normal four-night-a-week slate in April. The difference is that the four nights in question will be Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, and that’s pretty much the schedule we keep right through to closing night, with a few exceptions.
There are some slight post time differences to note as well. Sunday nights will feature a 7:30 ET post time for Race 1. And come the months of September, October and November, our Monday cards will begin at 4:30 ET for a little afternoon racing. Obviously it’s a lot of information to swallow all at once, but rest assured that we’ll be keeping you up to date all season long as need be.
Our schedule will feature our usual combination of outstanding overnight racing and plentiful stakes action. Concerning the stakes, we’ve added once again to the bounty up for grabs for the harness racing’s finest horses. In addition to Sun Stakes Saturday in July, featuring the Hempt, Lynch, Beal, and Ben Franklin, and Super Stakes Saturday in August, when you’ll see the Battle of Brandywine, the Colonial, and the Valley Forge, we’ve added a couple biggies on the first Saturday in May. As part of a day-night dual card on May 7 that sandwiches the simulcast of the Kentucky Derby, Pocono will be hosting a pair of new stakes races: The $500,000 Pennsylvania Classic for 3-year-old pacers and the $300,000 Miss Pennsylvania for 3-year-old filly pacers.
Don’t forget that we’ll also see a steady diet of Pennsylvania Sire Stakes, Pennsylvania All Stars, and Stallion Series races throughout the season. In other words, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a track anywhere putting that kind of money on the line.
It’s predictable then that all that dough brings out a ton of human talent, in terms of owners, trainers, and drivers, to the Pocono oval to get their share of the loot. Our driving colony is as deep as it comes, but there’s no doubt George Napolitano Jr. will have a target on his back after his record-setting 2015 season. Guys like his brother Anthony Napolitano, Simon Allard, Andrew McCarthy, and many others will be trying to take the top spot away. On the training side, Rene Allard and Chris Oakes will return to defend, respectively, their training wins and training percentage titles against an outstanding group of handlers, some who have barns at Pocono, others who will be shipping in their best equine talent.
There will be lots of promotions and events in store throughout the season as well, and we’ll be keeping you up to date on all of it. But now it’s time for the horses to go to the gate and for our 2016 season to be underway. To all our regular fans, I wish you a profitable wagering season. And to all you newcomers, I guarantee you’ll have a fantastic time at the races. The 2016 season at The Downs at Mohegan Sun is about to begin. See you all at the track.
As always, feel free to e-mail me at [email protected].
Mar 14, 2016 | Entertainment, General News
WILKES-BARRE, PA (March 14, 2016) — Bowzer will return to Mohegan Sun Pocono along with his Doo-Wop family
for a great night of music that will include some of the best hits from the 50s and 60s. Don’t miss the fun on Sunday, May 29th at 8:00pm at the Keystone Grand Ballroom.
Ticket prices start at $25.00 and go on sale Friday, March 18th at 10:00am through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com; call Ticketmaster’s national toll free Charge By Phone number 1.800.745.3000; or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets will also be available at the Mohegan Sun Pocono Box Office starting Saturday, March 19th, subject to availability.
This particular show brings together an incredible lineup of talent that will be sure to celebrate classic and legendary Rock & Roll like we’ve come to expect from Bowzer. It is set to star:
JAY SIEGEL’S TOKENS (“The Lion Sleeps Tonight”; “Tonight I Fell In Love”)
FREDDY “BOOM-BOOM” CANNON (“Palisades Park”; “Tallahassee Lassie”)
SHIRLEY ALSTON REEVES, Original Lead Singer of THE SHIRELLES (“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”; “Soldier Boy”)
THE ORIGINAL COMETS (“Rock Around The Clock”; “Shake, Rattle & Roll”)
JOEY DEE & THE STARLITERS (“Peppermint Twist”; “What Kind Of Love Is This”)
BOWZER & THE STINGRAYS
ROCKY & THE ROLLERS
With Special Guest: JOHNNY CONTARDO, Formerly of SHA NA NA
Hosted By: BOWZER of SHA NA NA
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN POCONO:
Mohegan Sun Pocono, owned by the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, is one of the most distinctive and spectacular entertainment, gaming, shopping and dining destinations in Pennsylvania. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Pennsylvania, Mohegan Sun Pocono features a 238-room hotel with on-site spa and adjacent 20,000 square-foot Convention Center. It is currently home to 82,000 square feet of gaming space including 91 live table games, 2,300 slot machines and electronic table games, a variety of dining and shopping options, nightlife, entertainment and live harness racing. Mohegan Sun Pocono is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware. More information is available by calling 1.888.WIN.IN.PA (1.888.946.4672) or visiting our website. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, download our app and view us on YouTube.
Mar 14, 2016 | Food & Beverage, Holiday
Dining discounts and shopping specials on Easter Sunday
WILKES-BARRE, PA (March 14, 2016) – On Easter, Mohegan Sun Pocono invites families to celebrate with shopping and dining specials. Don’t miss all the incredible deals being offered on Sunday, March 27th!
Experience the luxury of Spa Sapphire, located on the first floor of the hotel this Easter. On Sunday, guests can enjoy 20% off hair and nail services! Call 570.270.5555 for reservations.
If shopping is on your Easter to-do list, Mohegan Sun Pocono is the place to be! Ruby Blue treats guests on Easter Sunday with a free pair of studs with a $150.00 Crislu purchase.
Make your Easter celebrations complete with a decadent dinner at Rustic Kitchen Bistro & Bar. The restaurant features a specialty menu full of delicious dishes including lobster soup with shrimp and crab and a glazed ham steak with pineapple chutney paired with mashed potatoes and glazed baby carrots. Also on the menu; a garlic herb studded grilled rack of lamb and a crab stuffed haddock. Call 570.824.6600 for reservations.
From 8:30am to 2:00pm, Timbers Buffets serves up Easter brunch perfect for the whole family. The buffet features of spread of delectable dishes including rosemary & garlic rubbed prime rib, cherry marsala glazed ham, huevos rancheros, smoked salmon, and more! For dessert, indulge in deep fried brownie bites, assorted cakes and pies. The brunch is $19.99 for adults and $11.99 for children.
For those looking for a quick bite on Easter Sunday, Johnny Rocket’s is offering Buy one entrée/burger, get one 50% off any entrée/burger from 6:00am – 5:00pm for Momentum cardholders. Present your Momentum Card to your server/cashier before you order to get your BOGO 50% off an entrée/burger from 6:00 am – 5:00 pm on Easter Sunday only. Cannot be combined with any other discounts, coupons or offers, including Groupon.
For more information on Easter at Mohegan Sun Pocono, visit their website.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN POCONO:
Mohegan Sun Pocono, owned by the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, is one of the most distinctive and spectacular entertainment, gaming, shopping and dining destinations in Pennsylvania. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Pennsylvania, Mohegan Sun Pocono features a 238-room hotel with on-site spa and adjacent 20,000 square-foot Convention Center. It is currently home to 82,000 square feet of gaming space including 91 live table games, 2,300 slot machines and electronic table games, a variety of dining and shopping options, nightlife, entertainment and live harness racing. Mohegan Sun Pocono is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware. More information is available by calling 1.888.WIN.IN.PA (1.888.946.4672) or visiting our website. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, download our app and view us on YouTube.
Mar 9, 2016 | Racing
The first Qualifiers of the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono’s 2016 season were held at the track in Northeast Pennsylvania on Tuesday morning, March 8th. Under partly sunny skies and a temperature of nearly 60 degrees, 6 trotting and 5 pacing qualifying races were held.
The fifth qualifying race, a trot, saw the fastest time of the trotters of 1:56.4 for Chipoffthewall, a three-year-old black gelding trained by Syl King Jr. and driven this morning by one of Pocono’s leading drivers, Anthony Napolitano.
The fastest pacing time belonged to Toatsmygoats in the eighth race. John Kakaley drove the four-year-old gelding trained by Nick Surick, who finished in 1:54.
The second Qualifying races of the season are set for Wednesday morning, March 9th, at 10:00a.m., with 11 more on tap. Next Wednesday, March 16th, is also set aside for qualifiers, and each Wednesday after that.
The track opens for their 2016 season on Saturday, March 19th with a Post Time of 6:30p.m. In March, racing will be held on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and in April, racing moves to the regular schedule of Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday.
Mar 1, 2016 | Racing, Special Events
Event benefits the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital
WHAT:
See the world famous Express Employment Professionals Clydesdales at Mohegan Sun Pocono’s free, family-friendly event and enjoy live entertainment, great raffle prizes and more!
WHEN:
Friday March 11th
4:00pm to 6:00pm
Mohegan Sun Pocono Track Apron & Racing Lobby
Wristbands distributed starting at 3:00pm on the Sky Bridge
IN DETAIL:
On Friday, March 11th, don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal with the rare black and white Express Employment Professionals Clydesdales in advance of their appearance in the Scranton St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 12th. Enjoy free photos with the Clydesdales, live bagpipe music and traditional Irish step dancing, meet the Express Clydesdale Queen crowned at the event, have the chance to win great raffle prizes and purchase chances to ride in a wagon pulled by the world-famous Clydesdales around the racetrack, with proceeds benefitting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
This event is free to the public and all ages are welcome. This is a wristband-only event for photos. The first 200 people to line up on the Sky Bridge beginning at 3:00pm will receive a wristband; wristbands must be worn in order to gain entrance into the photo area of this event.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN POCONO:
Mohegan Sun Pocono, owned by the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, is one of the most distinctive and spectacular entertainment, gaming, shopping and dining destinations in Pennsylvania. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Pennsylvania, Mohegan Sun Pocono features a 238-room hotel with on-site spa and adjacent 20,000 square-foot Convention Center. It is currently home to 82,000 square feet of gaming space including 91 live table games, 2,300 slot machines and electronic table games, a variety of dining and shopping options, nightlife, entertainment and live harness racing. Mohegan Sun Pocono is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware. More information is available by calling 1.888.WIN.IN.PA (1.888.946.4672) or visiting our website. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, download our app and view us on YouTube.
Feb 26, 2016 | Entertainment
WHITESNAKE ARE BACK WITH A VENGEANCE IN 2016!!! 
WILKES-BARRE, PA (February 26, 2016) – Mega platinum Whitesnake the legendary Rock’n’Roll band founded and formed by Deep Purple singer David Coverdale are proud to announce their 2016 “THE GREATEST HITS TOUR” which will feature their biggest hits & songs from Slide It In, Whitesnake (1987) and Slip Of The Tongue. The iconic tour kicks off on June 1st with a stop at Mohegan Sun Pocono’s Keystone Grand Ballroom on Saturday, July 2, 2016, presented by Rock 107.
Tickets start at $49.00 and will go on sale on Friday, February 26th at 10:00am through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may purchase tickets by logging on to ticketmaster.com; calling Ticketmaster’s national toll free Charge By Phone number at 1.800.745.3000. Tickets will also be available for purchase, free of service fees, at the Mohegan Sun Pocono Box Office.
Blowing audiences away with their stunning, energetic live performances, Whitesnake have just completed a comprehensive world tour in 2015, including a Sell Out Arena tour in the UK & Ireland with Def Leppard, whilst promoting their most recent studio offering, The Purple Album.
After leaving Deep Purple in 1976 Coverdale formed the original Whitesnake in 1978, and began a journey that has taken him from the early heavy blues rock of the late ‘70s with albums like Trouble, Lovehunter, Ready an’ Willing and Come an’ Get It through to the explosive hard rock of the revamped ‘Snake sound with the multi-platinum Slide It In & 1987’s self-titled mega-million-selling smash-hit album, Whitesnake.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN POCONO:
Mohegan Sun Pocono, owned by the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, is one of the most distinctive and spectacular entertainment, gaming, shopping and dining destinations in Pennsylvania. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Pennsylvania, Mohegan Sun Pocono features a 238-room hotel with on-site spa and adjacent 20,000 square-foot Convention Center. It is currently home to 82,000 square feet of gaming space including 91 live table games, 2,300 slot machines and electronic table games, a variety of dining and shopping options, nightlife, entertainment and live harness racing. Mohegan Sun Pocono is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware. More information is available by calling 1.888.WIN.IN.PA (1.888.946.4672) or visiting our website. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, download our app and view us on YouTube.
Feb 24, 2016 | Entertainment, Food & Beverage
Have a sham-rocking day with green beer, Irish food and the return of Breakers Karaoke Party
WHAT:
Celebrate the luck o’ the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day at Mohegan Sun Pocono with great food, green beer and live entertainment.
WHEN:
Thursday, March 17th
IN DETAIL:
On Thursday, March 17th, visit Mohegan Sun Pocono for all-day festivities including traditional Irish fare at Timbers Buffet featuring hand-carved corned beef, Bangers & Mash, Yuengling Lager steamed mussels, chocolate Guinness bread pudding and more! The party continues until the clock strikes Midnight, when Breakers Karaoke Party is back starting at 7:30pm. Grab a green beer and dance a jig—everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day at Mohegan Sun Pocono!
Get a head start on the celebration on Friday, March 11th at 4:00pm when the Express Employment Professionals Clydesdales visit Mohegan Sun Pocono in advance of their appearance in the Scranton St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 12th.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN POCONO:
Mohegan Sun Pocono, owned by the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, is one of the most distinctive and spectacular entertainment, gaming, shopping and dining destinations in Pennsylvania. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Pennsylvania, Mohegan Sun Pocono features a 238-room hotel with on-site spa and adjacent 20,000 square-foot Convention Center. It is currently home to 82,000 square feet of gaming space including 91 live table games, 2,300 slot machines and electronic table games, a variety of dining and shopping options, nightlife, entertainment and live harness racing. Mohegan Sun Pocono is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware. More information is available by calling 1.888.WIN.IN.PA (1.888.946.4672) or visiting our website. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, download our app and view us on YouTube.
Feb 8, 2016 | Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Wise Crackers
Sweet dining specials, exciting live music and decadent treats
Looking for somewhere special to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Look no further than Mohegan Sun Pocono for a weekend-long romantic getaway with your sweetheart for great food, memorable fun and blissful relaxation.
Starting on Friday, February 12th, reserve a private booth inside Rustic Kitchen Bistro & Bar for a romantic Tuscan-inspired Valentine’s Day dinner like no other. Enjoy special menu items including creamy Seafood Bisque, Prime Rib Spring Rolls with spicy BBQ sauce and cheese fondue, Surf ‘N’ Turf with crab-stuffed lobster and filet mignon, pan-seared Sea Bass with chorizo and tomato couscous and roasted corn and arugula salad, or Duck Confit Ravioli. Cap the dinner with a decadent dessert featuring a creamy Snickers cheesecake or luscious strawberry champagne cake. Call 570.824.6600 for reservations.
Just steps away, the nationally-renowned Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse awaits, ready to make Valentine’s Day special with world-famous tender steaks, expertly-executed seafood, New Orleans-inspired appetizers, unforgettable desserts and an award-winning wine list. Call 570.208.2266 for reservations.
Nearby at Pearl Sushi Bar, delicacies of the sea are freshly-prepared in a hip, fun setting, perfect for date night, and pair with a unique handcrafted martini from “The Tao of Abundant Martinis” menu.
Timbers Buffet is also getting in on the action this Valentine’s Day weekend. All weekend enjoy a tantalizing seafood buffet with some sweet Valentine’s Day touches such as heart-shaped ravioli and a glass of complimentary champagne.
Both Saturday and Sunday night at 9:00pm, grab your sweetheart and get up-close-and-personal with the talented acts of Wise Crackers Comedy Club in Seasons Ballroom at Mohegan Sun Pocono. Join Brad Williams, Jonathan Randall and Scott Bruce for hilarious Wise Crackers performances sure to have you laughing all night long. Advance tickets required; visit mohegansunpocono.com.
When the laughs are over, head to Breakers and experience their eclectic nightlife scene with high-energy bartenders and amazing drink specials. It’s a great place to party with your sweetheart, meet up with friends or make new ones! On Saturday enjoy happy hour featuring half-price drinks from 7:00pm to 9:00pm then groove to the sounds of local favorites Nowhere Slow from 9:30pm to 1:30am. On Sunday, indulge in half-price happy hour drinks from 5:00pm to 7:00pm then party with NEPA’s own Jay & Silent Scott from 8:00pm to 11:00pm.
On Sunday, start Valentine’s Day with Bar Louie’s famous Sunday brunch from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Enjoy delicious menu items like Eggs Bennie, Hangover Helper, Breakfast Nachos or PB&J cakes. Top it all off with a pitcher of Bar Louie’s famous Bloody Marys or Ultimate Mimosas.
When your appetite is sated, head over to the onsite Spa Sapphire, located on the first floor of the hotel. Comprised of extraordinary ambiance and legendary services, Spa Sapphire promises a luxury spa experience, and on Valentine’s Day with any couple’s service enjoy a decadent complimentary dessert for two! Call 570.270.5555 for reservations.
Take their breath away this Valentine’s Day with some memorable moments at Mohegan Sun Pocono. For more information, visit their website.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN POCONO:
Mohegan Sun Pocono, owned by the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, is one of the most distinctive and spectacular entertainment, gaming, shopping and dining destinations in Pennsylvania. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Pennsylvania, Mohegan Sun Pocono features a 238-room hotel with on-site spa and adjacent 20,000 square-foot Convention Center. It is currently home to 82,000 square feet of gaming space including 91 live table games, 2,300 slot machines and electronic table games, a variety of dining and shopping options, nightlife, entertainment and live harness racing. Mohegan Sun Pocono is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware. More information is available by calling 1.888.WIN.IN.PA (1.888.946.4672) or visiting our website. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, download our app and view us on YouTube.
Feb 8, 2016 | Battle of the Bands, Breakers, Entertainment
Unfortunately due to a lack of submissions, Mohegan Sun Pocono regretfully is unable to host the highly-popular Battle of the Bands competition this year.
Beginning on Thursday, March 17th, Breakers Karaoke Party will resume in its place.
Visit mohegansunpocono.com for more details and for future events.
Feb 3, 2016 | Racing
Spring is coming, and the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono is getting the stable area ready for our valued horsemen, with the gates officially opening for the 51st season on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at 8:00a.m.
All horsemen must have the required paperwork to enter with their horses, along with a valid Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission license, which must be presented upon entry at all times.
Applications are now being taken for stables at https://myhorsemen.mohegansunpocono.com.
Special rates are available to reserve your stalls. Those reserving 10 stalls will receive each additional stall at half-off, and will receive preference for being stabled at Pocono.
The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono stable area features an excellent training track; tack shop and farriers; two veterinary clinics; laundry facilities; and a secure area with a guard on the premises 24 hours a day. Entry is with a license only. The stable area is minutes from major interstate highways.
Racing opens for the season at the renowned 5/8 mile track on Saturday, March 19th.
