Kentucky: Churchill Downs opens $90M Derby City Gaming Downtown in Louisville

Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) opened Wednesday the new Derby City Gaming Downtown in Louisville, Kentucky. The $90 million investment marks CDI’s sixth historical racing machine (HRM) entertainment venue in the Bluegrass State. The public grand opening festivities included a commemorative ribbon cutting and a $40,000 charitable donation to Norton Healthcare Foundation and The Hope Buss.

The new place is located at 140 South Fourth Street, and it is Louisville's first brick-and-mortar wagering establishment, complete with sports wagering and historic racing games. The 43,000 square-foot, two-story Kentucky Derby-themed entertainment venue includes a gaming floor with 500 state-of-the-art HRMs. 

DCG Downtown offers three food and beverage outlets including First Turn Sports Bar & Stage which hosts the property’s race and sportsbook along with a stage for live entertainment, Trophy Bar Bourbon & Cigars, and Fascinator Wine Bar. The property also includes 130 on-site guest parking spaces and boasts an exterior façade wrapped with the region’s first naked-eye 3D video board. A Kentucky Derby gift shop is located on the main level of the property with a dedicated street entrance.

The development of DCG Downtown generated 400 construction jobs and will result in over 150 permanent jobs, says the company, which joined Messer Construction to focus project efforts on supplier diversity, economic inclusion, and community engagement. Over $14 million of the investment was spent with minority, women, and veteran-owned subcontracting services, according to Churchill Downs.

"As you all know, racing is a key part of our history and our culture. Churchill Downs brings folks from across the state and our world together," said Kentucky Governor, Andy Beshear. "This company isn't just resting on where they’ve been, they're laser-focused on where they're going. They're working tirelessly to be even better to ensure their future and our future as Kentucky is brighter than ever."

Governor Andy Beshear

For his part, Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI, commented: "This project is one of which I'm particularly proud because, in addition to its impact on the Kentucky horse industry, it's going to bring new energy to our downtown and stimulate investments like it." 

"Derby City Gaming Downtown will give locals, bourbon tourists, convention attendees, and all our visitors, another much-needed entertainment facility in this region. Investing in downtown Louisville was more than a financial decision. It is an investment in the spirit and the culture and the future of our city," he added.

Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI

The opening of DCG Downtown coincides with the milestone countdown of 150 days to the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. To celebrate, Churchill Downs Racetrack unveiled the official Kentucky Derby 150 Mint Julep Glass and Kentucky Oaks 150 Lily Glass. 

Churchill Downs also launched the #MyDerbyMemory contest, inviting fans to share their Derby memories on social media for a chance to win two tickets to the 150th Kentucky Derby to be held on May 4, 2024.