Derby Lane Greyhound Track is a racino located in St. Petersburg, Florida. The track opened in 1925, after it was purchased from the Weaver family, constructed, and returned to the Wiever family, where ownership has been maintained since. The track offers dogs to run on 5/16 mile, and 3/8 mile runs (550 and 660 yards). The tracks surface contains regulated and maintained white sand, along with other products like rubber grains and dirt are contained, mostly for the safety of the greyhounds. A fountain and small manmade lake can be found in the middle of the infield. A small island of 5 palm trees on sand is in the middle of the lake, connected by a narrow bridge the short distance back to the mainly grassy infield. There is a path which weaves through the middle of the infield, but it is not used very often, most often it is the photoshoot location for winners of major stakes races. Behind that winners circle there is a small warehouse type of building used for toteboard, lure, and gate electronic operations.
The lure is a standard inside rail lure called 'Hareson Hare'. The announcer positions on the track are held by 2 people, however only 1 will work the day's races. Evening performances are on every day but Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, and doubleheader (afternoon and evening performances) races are held on Wednesday and Saturday. TV monitors display tote information, weights and post positions, races, results, replays, and photos. The winner's circle is only used for major and stakes races, and weights and post positions are announced and filmed on track. The padock is only used for dressing and weighing the dogs.
The track consists of three levels. All 3 offer concessions, the top 2 offering dine-in options, and 1 containing a poker room. The padock is right of the track and can be viewed by a short walk from the finish line. Serviced and self serviced totes are available on every level. The most notable of tote areas being the one on track level, where the words DERBY LANE are spelled out in neon partnered with a greyhounds stride across the sign. The track has a liquor license.
The track is the oldest greyhound racing track in the country, and (according to the SP Times and track relations officials) is one of the few still making money in Florida. Due to competition around the area which includes casino boats, casinos, and horse tracks, Derby Lane has lost some qualities gradually such as a gift shop (lost 2009) a bar (lost 2008) and several other cost cutting mesures have been taken around the track. Turnout, though declining, was boosted by the closing of the second nearest dog track: Tampa Bay Greyhound Track. Derby Lane's closest competitor greyhound track still operating is the Sarasota Kennel Club.
Alternate gaming options: The track offers simulcast and pari-mutuel wagering on major dog and horse racing, when the participating tracks/ events live performance schedule is applicable. Derby Lane also is home to the Derby Lane Poker Room, where several standard card games are offered. The track is classified as a racino, but no slots, or Vegas Style games have been approved for the location.