Churchill Downs announces USD 18M in upgrades

The changes include: Stakes Room, Turf Club, Turf Club Draftsman Balcony, Turf Club Roses Lounge, Turf Club Boxes, the directors room and the Clubhouse Balconies.

A new and enlarged Stakes Room on the fourth floor of the Clubhouse will combine the current Stakes Room, Aristides Room, Directors’ Room and Turf Club Lounge into a new, spectacular open space paying homage to the rich traditions of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby.

The third floor Turf Club, Matt Winn Dining Room and Indoor Premium Boxes will undergo a facelift to create an updated and more intimate premium area. Members of this exclusive 19,500-square-foot space will be treated to numerous detailed décor upgrades, including art installations and other treatments that celebrate the stories and traditions of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby.

As guests arrive at the racetrack, they’ll immediately notice reconfigured express entries from Gates 10 and 17 including two exclusive Turf Club Express elevators and enlarged and repositioned arrival and welcome areas.

The food and beverage experience also will be greatly enhanced with an enlarged customer-facing U-shaped bar and lounge area.

“With more than 170,000 people attending this year’s Kentucky Derby, the demand for tickets to the Kentucky Oaks and Derby is at an all-time high,” said Kevin Flanery, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack.

“Our fans are looking for a variety of unique experiences – from picnics in the infield to concierge service in the Mansion. Few events in the world can offer the wide array of customer experiences that we do around the Kentucky Derby and, ultimately, it’s up to us to continue to create fresh, diverse and differentiated products that satisfy everyone’s wishes. This exciting new project will provide further premium ticketing experiences and add value to those purchasers by taking the event experience to amazing new levels,” he commented.

Interior renovations will begin immediately after the conclusion of the 21-day Fall Meet, which runs Nov. 1-29. Select demolition and outdoor balcony construction will begin in mid-September to minimize weather delays.

The project is scheduled for completion in advance of the 2016 Spring Meet, which will open Saturday, April 30, 2016. The 142nd runnings of the $1 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I) and $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (GI) are scheduled for Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7, 2016, respectively.

The $18 million in spending is the latest in a series of recent on-going investments to improve and enhance the customer experience at Churchill Downs Racetrack, which opened in 1875 and ranks among Kentucky’s oldest businesses. Track officials have committed $69.4 million to major capital improvements on the national historical landmark over the last six years.

“We remain steadfast in making these significant and vital investments to make certain that Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and everyday racing remain major economic engines for our city, state and region,” Flanery said.