Arena Racing Company has reported growth in footfall across its greyhound stadia in 2025, with attendances increasing at its longstanding venues by five per cent year-on-year.
The UK’s largest racing operator welcomed thousands more racegoers through the doors of its greyhound stadia which include Central Park in Kent plus Nottingham, Sunderland and Newcastle Stadiums.
ARC also successfully launched Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium - the first brand new greyhound racing track to be built from scratch in more than a decade - following a multi-million-pound investment.
Punters flocked to the Wolverhampton venue which hosted the £20,000 Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks final in October, which recorded a 324 per cent attendance rise compared to the 2024 staging at Perry Barr.
There was also year on year growth over the festive period, with Newcastle Stadium increasing footfall on Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup finals night by 85 per cent, while Nottingham Stadium recorded its biggest crowd in recent times when more than 1,000 people packed the terraces for the track’s traditional Boxing Day fixture.
Sarah Newman, Marketing and Communications Manager at Arena Racing Company, said: “Competition for the leisure pound has never been higher, so to grow our footfall in 2025 is a great achievement.
“Increases to the cost of living has without question put the squeeze on people’s wallets, and their social habits.
“We know greyhound racing is a fantastic and cost-effective night out for people of all ages, families, groups of friends and colleagues. It’s why we’ve placed an extra emphasis on strategically timed offers and digital campaigns to maximise reach and engagement among communities surrounding our venues.
“We’re pleased this has contributed to a rise in the number of people enjoying greyhound racing in person amid times of economic uncertainty. We have plans to build on this further through 2026, and encourage casuals and greyhound enthusiasts to monitor our social channels as the year progresses.”
Initial offers launched by Arena Racing Company in 2026 include free admission, a welcome drink and a racecard to all Category One final dates at Central Park and Nottingham Stadiums this year.
A Racing Club Membership has also been launched at Newcastle, Nottingham and Dunstall Park, offering racegoers free admission, discounts on food and drink and ‘bring a friend’ vouchers.
Selected venues are also running 20 per cent off all restaurant packages in January and February.
Sarah added: “Value for money and a quality race night experience are essential not only to attract people trackside, but to encourage them to visit again.
“We have more themed race nights planned across our venues in 2026 which always prove popular and hope to see more fresh faces trackside by taking advantage of our offers.”
Full details of promotional offers attached to each track are available via its respective website.
