Kentucky Derby once-in-a-lifetime experiences

Image: Churchill Downs Racetrack (LinkedIn)

The horse racing company Churchill Downs Incorporated announced recently a multiyear series of capital projects that will enhance and expand the Kentucky Derby experience across three key areas of the Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky (US).

‘CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED’ stated that the series of transformational projects are collectively the largest expansion and renovation undertaken in the 150-year history of the Churchill Downs Incorporated.

The Churchill Downs Incorporated has been creating extraordinary entertainment experiences for over 150 years beginning with the company’s most iconic and enduring asset – the Kentucky Derby. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky (US) the Churchill Downs Incorporated has expanded through the development of live and historical racing entertainment venues, the growth of the TwinSpires horse racing online wagering business and the operation and development of regional casino gaming properties.

Known as the home of the Kentucky Derby (American Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred) and the Kentucky Oaks (a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred fillies), the 165,000-capacity Churchill Downs Racetrack conducts Thoroughbred horse racing in Louisville, Kentucky (US) during three race meets in the Spring, September and the Fall. The racetrack occupies 147 acres featuring a one-mile dirt, oval racetrack and a seven furlong turf race course. Thoroughbred (a horse breed developed for horse racing) racing, the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks have run continuously at the Churchill Downs Racetrack since 1875.

Image: Churchill Downs Racetrack (LinkedIn)

 

The three projects are:

• The Skye Reconstruction and Expansion Project (‘The Skye Project’);
• Conservatory Project; and
• Infield General Admission Project.

 
Stated Bill Carstanjen, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Churchill Downs Incorporated, “These projects as well as the key infrastructure improvements reflect the company’s commitment to providing world-class hospitality and premium seating options for the guests for many decades to come. We have a proven track record of prudently investing capital in the Kentucky Derby to create once-in-a lifetime experiences for our guests while also creating significant long-term value for our shareholders.”
 

Skye Project

‘CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED’ further stated that the Skye Project will focus on the section of Churchill Downs that starts just past the finish line and extends to the First Turn Club. This project will replace 11,500 existing seats that currently consist of uncovered box seats and dated dining areas with 13,300 seats providing a variety of premium hospitality experiences that include improved track views and upgraded amenities.

Image: Churchill Downs Racetrack (LinkedIn)

The existing Skye Terrace structure will be replaced with a new five-story structure that will transform the iconic Clubhouse turn. The first three floors of The Skye are expected to be operational for the 153rd Kentucky Derby in May 2027 and the remaining areas are expected to be completed for the 154th Kentucky Derby in May 2028. For the 152nd Kentucky Derby in May 2026 and throughout the project transition Churchill Downs will provide ticketed guests in the existing Skye Terrace areas with the opportunity for alternative premium seating to ensure the same extraordinary bucket list experience.
 

Conservatory Project

The Conservatory Project will replace the temporary suites in the infield which line the homestretch of the racetrack. This project will replace 2,100 temporary seats with new permanent structures providing over 7,000 premium experiences for the guests including 36 suites. The Phase One will feature the Pagoda Club and Terrace that will capture sweeping views of the grandstand and offer unprecedented visibility to the Kentucky Derby Winner’s Circle. The Phase One of the Conservatory Project is expected to be operational for the 152nd Kentucky Derby in May 2026.

The Phase Two and Phase Three of the Conservatory Project will involve further construction of the Conservatory structures down the homestretch towards the starting gate and are anticipated to be operational for the 153rd Kentucky Derby in 2027 and the 154th Kentucky Derby in 2028, respectively.
 

Infield General Admission Project

The Infield General Admission Project will introduce three new permanent buildings within the infield that will provide the guests with enhanced amenities for the Kentucky Derby. The first building will be open for the 152nd Kentucky Derby in 2026 followed by the second building for the 153rd Kentucky Derby in 2027 and the third building for the 154th Kentucky Derby in 2028.
 

Infrastructure Projects

The Churchill Downs Incorporated is also planning to invest in several infrastructure improvements at the Churchill Downs anticipated to include backside improvements for the horsemen and the trainers as well as a new tunnel to the infield that will facilitate seamless access to and from the front side. The tunnel will serve as an immersive underground journey for the guests delivering 150 years of Kentucky Derby storytelling magic and building excitement for the day ahead.

Image: Churchill Downs Racetrack (LinkedIn)

 

Investment Summary

The Churchill Downs Incorporated plans to invest the following capital in each of the projects between 2025 and 2028:

• The Skye Terrace Renovation and Expansion Project – $455 to $465 million;
• The Conservatory Project – $320 to $330 million;
• The Infield General Admission Project – $60 to $70 million; and
• The Infrastructure Projects – $45 to $55 million.

 
Pending approval of incentives that must be approved first by the City of Louisville and then by the appropriate State agencies including the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the Churchill Downs Incorporated anticipates spending $120 to $130 million of this project capital in 2025 and expects to have all three projects as well as the necessary infrastructure improvements completed by the 154th Kentucky Derby in May 2028.
 

Grandstand Renovation

‘KENTUCKY DERBY’ stated that the grandstand renovation will convert the existing outdoor aluminum bleachers near the Kentucky Derby starting gate location into various new comfortable seating types.

The Conservatory Project is bringing over 7,000 new premium seating experiences to the infield replacing the temporary suites with luxurious, permanent hospitality spaces.

‘KENTUCKY DERBY’ further stated that the Conservatory Suites feature a private suite with catered food and beverage (F&B), a covered trackside terrace and access to a shared lawn adjacent to the turf course. Offering unobstructed views of the Clubhouse and the Grandstand it brings guests close to the action and the Winner’s Circle celebrations.
 

Skye Lounges

Offering track level dining the Skye Lounges offer indoor dining spaces with the ability to enjoy thunderous racing along the rail of the outdoor terrace directly in front of the dining room. The guests can enjoy the famous Kentucky Derby Walkover where the contenders and their connections parade along the track from the barn area to the Paddock prior to the big race.

A ‘LinkedIn Post’ stated, “For 150 years, the Churchill Downs has been the home of history, tradition and unforgettable moments. Now, we’re taking the Kentucky Derby experience to even greater heights. From elevated luxury to an even more immersive infield experience the future of the Kentucky Derby is bright. Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this historic transformation!”

Continue to follow Coliseum for latest updates on venues business news. Coliseum is dedicated towards building the best global community of sports and entertainment venue executives and professionals creating better and more profitable venues.

Become a member of the only Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and experts from around the world. Apply for membership at www.coliseum-online.com/alliance and make use of the 365Coliseum Business.

• Tags »
• Churchill Downs
• Kentucky Derby

« Previous News: Legends appoint Bray as Europe President
» Next News: Atlético de Madrid sign business partner