At 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22, 1932, a new era in nighttime entertainment opened as Sue Fulton, Hughminnia, Prairie Foe, Berta, Ford 8, Bona Fide, Over & Over and Lady Gog chased a speeding mechanical rabbit for 3/16 of a mile (330 yards) around a new track built specifically for greyhound racing.

“The El Cerrito Kennel Club, of El Cerrito, Calif., presents to greyhound racing followers what experts declare to be the finest and most modern plant in the United States, both in point of comfort and equipment,” read the introductory paragraph in the opening night program. “The track manager will be Mr. George F. Chapman of San Francisco who has held similar positions at prominent tracks in the country. His integrity is of the highest among followers of the sport.”