‘Play Keeneland’ Game Launching on Opening Day

What is to be a first of its kind, Keeneland will be launching a new game in conjunction with the opening of its spring meet tomorrow.  Play Keeneland will be a Facebook game where you will be able to be played it using your computer, tablet or smart phone. You can head over to PlayKeeneland.com and check it out.

Check out the video and press release below.  (Note: The game will not be available until 4/8)

KEENELAND RACETRACK AND CORNETT-IMS LAUNCH FIRST FACEBOOK GAME BASED ON REAL-TIME SPORTS RESULTS

LEXINGTON, KY (April 7, 2011) – Keeneland, a Kentucky Thoroughbred racetrack steeped in tradition, is taking the bold step of launching the first Facebook game to use real-time sports results.  Designed for both casual fans and gaming enthusiasts, this free game allows players experience the excitement of Keeneland’s spring meet and learn the basics of wagering on Thoroughbreds, without making an actual pari-mutuel wager.

“Our goal is to showcase the excitement of Thoroughbred racing and do it in a way that is both fun and educational,” said Keeneland President Nick Nicholson.  “We love introducing new fans to the sport and the next generation of fans are tuning in via social mediums like Facebook.”

Keeneland will mobilize its more than 80,000 current Facebook fans to create buzz around the game and build excitement for the spring meet.  Facebook users can access Play Keeneland by smart phone, tablet and desktop computer.

“This is the first Facebook game based on real-time sports data,” said David Coomer, chief creative officer for Lexington-based Cornett Integrated Marketing Solutions, Keeneland’s agency of record, which designed the game.  “Players can check their score immediately after each race ends and get in on the excitement of Keeneland, even if they can’t make it to the track.”

Play Keeneland will allow Facebook users to select the horses they want to finish first (win), second (place) and third (show). Players can earn points for picking the correct win, place or show horse as well as the exacta (first and second place in the correct order) and trifecta (1-2-3 finish in correct order). All races are real-time events from the daily race schedule at Keeneland.

Each time a player wins, a trophy is displayed on their Facebook homepage.  Points are automatically transferred to the player’s trophy case, where they can view their cumulative score for the spring meet and see how their picks finished in each race.

Daily winners will receive $100 in Keeneland merchandise. One overall point leader for the race meet will win a grand prize trip to Lexington for the track’s fall meet and 75th anniversary, including private box seats, airfare for two and accommodations.

Keeneland will host races Wednesday through Sunday from April 8 through April 29, excluding Easter Sunday.  Post time for the first race each day is 1:15 pm (EST).