safety
Ruidoso businesses brace for downturn as racetrack closure hurts tourism
By Jessica Barron at KTSM 9 News (NBC)
· June 25, 2026
· 1 min read
RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) –The Village of Ruidoso is still recovering from the Salt and South Fork fires two years ago, along with devastating burn scar flooding that followed. Those floods forced the closure of the Ruidoso Race Track and Casino for the last two years. That closure has Village leaders...
Key takeaway (KRQE) –The Village of Ruidoso is still recovering from the Salt and South Fork fires two years ago, along with devastating burn scar flooding that followed.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The closure of the Ruidoso Race Track and Casino has significant implications for El Paso 's neighboring communities, as the tourism downturn in Ruidoso can have a ripple effect on local businesses that rely on regional visitors. El Paso's own tourism industry may need to adapt to compensate for the loss of attractions in nearby Ruidoso, potentially by promoting alternative destinations or events in the area. Furthermore, the economic impact of the racetrack closure may also be felt in El Paso County, as some local residents may have previously traveled to Ruidoso for entertainment or worked at the racetrack. As Village leaders in Ruidoso work to recover from the devastating fires and flooding, El Paso officials should be mindful of the potential economic consequences and explore ways to support regional tourism and economic development.
About this story
Original reporting by KTSM 9 News (NBC) . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTSM 9 News (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KTSM 9 News (NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) –The Village of Ruidoso is still recovering from the Salt and South Fork fires two years ago, along with devastating burn scar flooding that followed. Those floods forced the closure of the Ruidoso Race Track and Casino for the last two years. That closure has Village leaders...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by KTSM 9 News (NBC) and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jessica Barron at KTSM 9 News (NBC). To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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