ARC acquires Central Park ahead of Greyhound racing makeover 

Arena Racing Company (ARC) has moved to expand its UK greyhound racing stadia portfolio, having reached an agreement to acquire Newcastle’s Central Park stadium.

The racetrack operator will purchase the property from Cearnsport Limited, adding Central Park to its existing greyhound venues of Nottingham, Sunderland and Perry Barr (Birmingham).

The acquisition follows the announcement that the ARC has entered a strategic venture with Entain Plc to redevelop UK greyhounds racing season schedule, with the intention of refreshing the sport’s appeal and widening its coverage to new audiences.  

“We are delighted to have reached agreement with Cearnsport Limited, and to welcome Central Park into the ARC group of venues,” commented Mark Kingston, ARC Director of Media and Technology. 

“Central Park will really enhance the portfolio of greyhound racing that we host and reiterates our long-term commitment to the sport.  We will, of course, fulfil any standing arrangements with regards the track’s media rights, but look forward to Central Park becoming a key part of our schedule going forward.”

Helping the transition, ARC confirmed that Roger Cearns will be maintained as Central Park’s lead promoter as the venue prepares for the return of owners and live spectators.  

Further to its statement, ARC detailed that it would continue to honour the existing agreement between Central Park and SIS as lead media rights distributor.   

“I have, for some time now, thought that after 60 years connected to greyhound stadiums and 23 years at Central Park that the time is right for me to retire for younger people to take charge and to secure a sound future for Central Park, its trainers and employees,” Cearns commented on ARC’s buyout. 

“I believe that being within the ARC group will give Central Park, it’s staff and trainers a secure and prosperous future and my best wishes go to them.”