by David La Torre, La Torre Communications

Meadow Lands, PA — Meadows Racetrack & Casino officials will hold a brief ceremony to mark the beginning of the removal of the 44-year-old grandstand, which will be replaced by a state-of-the-art $155 million casino that will include a grandstand, 200-room hotel and luxury spa.

The ceremony, complete with wrecking ball, will begin at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 5.

The permanent 350,000 square-foot facility, which will provide about 1,500 jobs, is slated to open in early 2009.

The Meadows is owned by Las Vegas-based Cannery Casino Resorts.