Former Sports Haven demolition expected to begin in July as redevelopment plans remain undisclosed

Demolition of New Haven’s former Sports Haven horse-racing and betting complex was expected to begin in July 2026, clearing a property that had been closed and vacant for years.

The planned work is the immediate, confirmed change at the site. But it does not establish what will replace the former complex: As of a June 23 report, New Haven economic-development officials said the property owner had not communicated a definitive redevelopment plan to the city.

A cleared site, but no stated next use

Sports Haven was a horse-racing and betting complex in New Haven. Its closure left the property vacant for years, and its future use remained unresolved at the time of the report.

Criterion Group owns the property, according to the reporting. Mike Piscitelli, New Haven’s economic-development administrator, said Criterion officials had not indicated their plans for the site to the city.

That distinction is important as demolition approaches. The reported July start concerns removal of the former complex, not the start of an approved replacement development. No final redevelopment proposal was identified in the available reporting.

What is known and what remains uncertain

The reported timeline called for demolition to begin in July 2026. The reporting did not provide an exact completion date for the work.

It also did not identify a construction schedule for any subsequent project. As a result, no specific building, business, housing project or other future use can be treated as decided based on the available information.

For New Haven, the site’s clearing marks movement at a long-vacant property, while the larger development and land-use question remains open. A definitive proposal from the owner would be the next known step needed to establish what is planned for the property after demolition.