Major facelift planned for Churchill Downs Racetrack

Article posted by Coliseum, November 12^th, 2019

Image: Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs Racetrack in Kentucky, United States, is all set to undergo a facelift the price tag of which is $300 million. The spruce-up work will include the construction of a permanent stadium seating and a hotel.

Once the Kentucky Tourism Development Incentive Act gives the final nod, the project will begin in December 2019 with projected completion at the end of 2021.

The makeover work will give a totally new look to the first turn of the 190-acre facility and provide guests exquisite Kentucky Derby experiences.

In place of the 3,300 temporary grandstands historically located in the area, a permanent covered stadium seating capable of fitting in 4,700 fans will come up.

It will provide an enthralling experience to the spectator’s vis-a-vis thunderous racing and the famous Kentucky Derby walkover and the best in all-inclusive hospitality experience too.

The project will provide to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks 5,500 new reserved seating options. Plush facilities will also be provided to 6,700 existing customers.

The new 156-room, seven-story hotel will enjoy trackside suites which will offer sweeping views of the entire track and private balconies. It will also be equipped with non-track facing rooms from where one can get access to a second-floor party deck to watch racing.

The added attractions are a penthouse banquet room, 27,000 sq ft ballroom and meeting rooms where events can be held the year through and will likewise include exclusive Derby package offerings that will offer spectacular track views and the full bucket-list experience that Kentucky Derby guests have come to expect.

Kevin Flanery, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack, said, “Derby Week guests can wake up to a sunrise view as horses breeze around the track and then have their Kentucky Derby in their suite. We took exceptional consideration with the design approach to this project to ensure that the addition will seamlessly enhance and complement the historic nature and iconic aesthetic of Churchill Downs. Our goal is to create a one-of-a-kind venue not just for Derby week, but for the public benefit of our community and visitors of Louisville to enjoy throughout the year.”

The hotel will also boast a 900-machine avant-garde HRM gaming floor, sports bar, VIP lounge and multiple year-round dining venues.

Apart from welcoming patrons throughout the year, hospitality access will be provided to 3,400 guests in the existing Section 111 as part of exclusive Derby Week hospitality.

Churchill Downs will refurbish the 6th floor Millionaires Row to provide a memorable culinary experience for guests of Kentucky Derby 2020. The revamp work will be done at an expense of $11 million.

The revamp work will offer 350 guests high-end services and a splendid view of the race track’s finish line. The novel concept will include magnificent dining options as well as deluxe drink and champagne packages.

Bespoke concierge services will also be available which will include pre-orders and dietary restrictions. The space will also offer the best in hospitality experiences replete with personal detail including an in-room handicapper to consult for wagering combined with bourbon tastings.

The upgraded space will be equipped with private dining rooms, lounge seating, window dining and a speakeasy bourbon room. An online ticket sale will be held later this year in which fans will get to know more on individual tickets to the new space for Kentucky Derby 2020.

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.

Watch 500+ member-exclusive videos with valuable tips for your venue