ST. PETERSBURG - Starla Sullivan drove to Derby Lane intent on watching simulcast races. She figured there would be no problem finding a parking space on a slow weeknight with no live racing.
Sullivan discovered the schedule had changed once she pulled into a packed lot.
"I wondered what the heck was going on," Sullivan said. "I was startled to see so many cars here. I had no idea they would start the season so soon."
Derby Lane's 79th season is three weeks ahead of schedule. The change marks the first time the track has raced in December since 1954.
The early opening for the six-month live racing schedule caught others besides Sullivan off-guard.
A few days ago, Tom Ryan of Grand Rapids, Mich., was planning a weeklong vacation and scoured the Internet to find dog tracks to visit. He counted on going to Tampa Greyhound, which usually offers live racing during this time of year. Then he found out Derby Lane was starting its season, and his eyes widened.
"I couldn't believe it," said Ryan, 62, who came from Michigan with his brother, Jim, 60, and friend, Tom Hawley, 63. "This is my favorite track. I told everyone we've got to be there for opening night."
The new schedule was designed to accommodate tourists such as Ryan who flock to the area during this time of year, and the track bought ads and billboards to promote the early opening.
But not everyone got the message.
Because opening night fell on a weekday, attendance suffered. The matinee and evening races attracted 2,954.
"We knew we'd have a tough time opening on a Monday," said Vera Filipelli, Derby Lane's media relations director.
"Still, we thought the crowd was good. We expect a better showing this weekend."
The finals of the Puppy Preview and St. Petersburg Inaugural, the biggest stake races at the start of the season, are Saturday. Qualifying rounds for the Puppy Preview are Wednesday. The top four from each qualifying race advance to the final.
