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One of the most enduring landmarks in the Shreveport/Bossier City area is the venerable horse racing track in off of East Texas St. in Bossier we call Harrah's Louisiana Downs.  Did you know that it was on the verge of shutting its doors forever?

Caesar's Entertainment would probably have closed Louisiana Downs for good

The track that has hosted some of the most fantastic horse races in Louisiana's history was pretty close to closing it's doors forever.  According to Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns' statement to the Shreveport Times:

I really believe if this sale didn't go through Caesars would ultimately close the facility; the company just isn't interested in operating a horse racetrack

Via Google Street View
Via Google Street View
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The final hurdle to secure this iconic Bossier City landmark has been cleared

After the Louisiana Gaming Control Board approved the reported $22 Million sale of Louisiana Downs to Rubico Gaming late last week, the only thing standing in the way of the sale was the approval of the Louisiana Racing Commission (LRC) at their next meeting, which was today.

According to the Donaldson Chief, the LRC gave this deal the thumbs up!  That means Harrah's Louisiana Downs could be getting a name change very soon - maybe even in time for its 47th birthday (it was built on October 30th, 1974).

Look: How Shreveport-Bossier Has Changed from 2007 to Now

25 Obscure Facts You Probably Don't Know About Louisiana

Louisiana is a weird and wild place. Some of our state's history is way stranger than fiction! Test yourself to see if you are a Bayou State expert!

25 Obscure Facts You Probably Don't Know About Louisiana

Louisiana is a weird and wild place. Some of our state's history is way stranger than fiction! Test yourself to see if you are a Bayou State expert!

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