Churchill Plans Three Capital Improvement Projects

Churchill Downs announced July 28 three major multi-year capital investments to transform key areas to its facility, focused on expanded seating and paddock area design. Plans include the debut of a new project each year over the next three years, beginning with the Homestretch Club for the 2022 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) and culminating with a paddock area redesign for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby in 2024. 

The Homestretch Club will renovate and update the grandstand area adjacent to the Twin Spires along the famed track's homestretch. The project will convert what is currently outdoor bleacher seating next to the Winner's Circle Suites and below the Jockey Club Suites into three unique seating options with all-inclusive amenities. This seating offers an ideal view of the starting gate, a superior vantage of the track's Big Board, and a bird's eye view of the homestretch race toward the finish line.

Those attending the Homestretch Club will have access to 18,600 square feet of new interior premium hospitality space in the first-floor concourse area that will be transformed into a reimagined, high-end air-conditioned club atmosphere to place a bet and enjoy the all-inclusive food and beverage offerings. This premium hospitality space will be accented by a grand staircase and a 100-foot feature bar.

The new all-inclusive ticket offerings for the Homestretch Club will include:

• 30 trackside lounges along the rail for up to 200 guests offering a "courtside seat" experience
• 66 terraced dining tables for up to 440 guests creating covered outdoor dining
• 2,610 stadium club seats providing a cushioned, comfortable, and upgraded experience
• Five private VIP hospitality lounges for up to 60 guests 

In total, the project will provide for 3,250 all-inclusive seats, which is 1,950 fewer reserved seats than were previously in this area. The $45 million Homestretch Club project is scheduled for completion before next year's Derby is run May 7.

The Turn 1 Experience will introduce permanent all-inclusive stadium seats at Churchill Downs in a unique location with exclusive views of the Kentucky Derby walkover and the picturesque first turn framed by the Twin Spires. The project will upgrade and expand what is currently 3,400 temporary Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Derby seats to 5,100 all-inclusive permanent stadium seats with significantly improved amenities to enhance the overall guest experience. The permanent construction will also add a climate-controlled hospitality venue below the new stadium seats that will serve as premium seating for up to 2,000 fans who will have access to an adjacent trackside reserved viewing terrace allowing them to view signature moments along the rail.

The Turn 1 Experience will include:

• 5,100 covered stadium seats
• 50,000 square-foot climate-controlled hospitality venue that includes reserved dining room tables for up to 2,000 guests with an adjacent trackside viewing terrace
• Two concourses to allow for better guest circulation and additional customer amenities for stadium seat-ticketed guests, creating a convenient place for socializing with an outdoor racetrack view

In total, the project will provide for 7,100 all-inclusive seats, which is 3,700 more reserved seats than were previously in this area. The $90 million Turn 1 Experience is scheduled for completion in time for the 2023 Kentucky Derby.

The combination of these two capital projects will result in a net addition of 1,750 premium reserved seats.

The paddock area redesign is in the early design stage and will transform the existing paddock area in a manner that will enhance the experience as fans enter the gates of the historic racetrack. In addition to introducing new seating and experiences, the redesign will reduce congestion by significantly improving the flow of fans through the paddock and plaza areas. This project is tentatively scheduled to debut for the 150th Kentucky Derby in 2024. The track expects to release more details on the project in the coming months. 

"We have so much to anticipate as we look toward the 150th Kentucky Derby in 2024," said Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs. "We've listened to our customers' feedback over the years and the response to those demands can be seen in these upcoming capital projects. The design of each will blend 147 years of tradition with an updated atmosphere that celebrates our storied past and ushers in a spectacular future for Churchill Downs."