Eric Halstrom Joins Harrah’s Louisiana Downs As Vice President Of Operations

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs made an official announcement of Eric Halstrom as their new Vice President of Operations.

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Mike Rich, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs made the announcement. Halstrom takes on the role vacated by Trent McIntosh, now the new General Manager of Hoosier Park in Indianapolis, Indiana for Caesars Entertainment.

Halstrom is a graduate of the University of Arizona Racetrack Industry Program and has a strong background in in racetrack management. He served as the Vice President of Racing at Canterbury Park from 1997-2008 and then spent five years at Fair Grounds in New Orleans as the Vice President and General Manager of Racing Operations. Most recently, Halstrom has lent his expertise to the team at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, Iowa, as the assistant director of racing.

“Eric has a vast knowledge of the industry and is a passionate sports and racing fan,” said Rich.

Halstrom is a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota and the father of three children: Bailey 22; Ben 19 and Colin 15. He is relocating to Bossier City and will work closely with David Heitzmann, who was recently promoted to Director of Racing at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.

“I am looking forward to returning to Louisiana and this tremendous opportunity at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs,” said Halstrom. “There is a great team in place and very loyal horsemen as well as enthusiastic racing fans. I know the excitement is building for the Grade 3, $300,0000 Super Derby, which is coming up on September 2.”

Live racing will be conducted Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Saturday with a 3:15 p.m. (Central) post time through September 26. For more information on the upcoming racing season and special events, visit https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-louisiana-downs/racing.

About Harrah’s Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and was purchased by Caesars Entertainment in December, 2002. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.