In 1961, the Pennsylvania harness racing commission voted 2-1 to grant Liberty Bell Racing Association, led by Philadelphia Democratic Party and Philadelphia Eagles owner James P. Clark, the state's first parimutuel track license, with both Democratic members of the committee voting in favor of Clark and the Republican member voting against.
The track featured a double-decker grandstand that could hold 30,000 people and a parking lot with room for 10,000 cars.
[5] In the fall of 1963, the track was leased to Art Rooney's William Penn Racing Association.
[12] On February 6, 1971, a track-record 24,988 fans turned out to watch thoroughbred races at Liberty Bell Park.
[15] In 1982, Raymond A. Birkbeck became president of both Liberty Bell Park and the William Penn Racing Association.
[16] In 1983, Liberty Bell Park reported a deficit, which led to Governor Dick Thornburgh signing legislation to lower taxes on the state's harness tracks.
[18] Competition from Atlantic City casinos and the rebuilt Garden State Park Racetrack was blamed for the track's demise.