Churchill Downs Plans $18 Million in Upgrades
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Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), has announced an extensive $18 million capital project to modernize the Turf Club and several other premium areas.
Some of the changes include:
Stakes Room
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, open space paying homage to the rich traditions of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), according to a release. The open and flowing space will be segmented by half-height walls, featuring bars, and cooking stations. In addition, the current fourth floor balcony will become a covered patio with views stretching from the paddock to the racetrack. The seating for more than 500 guests in these new premium areas will vary between traditional tables and modern booths and banquettes.
Turf Club
The third floor Turf Club, Matt Winn Dining Room, and Indoor Premium Boxes will undergo a facelift to create what the track said will be an updated and more intimate premium area. The 19,500-square-foot space will include detailed décor upgrades, such as art installations and other treatments that celebrate the stories and traditions of Churchill and the Derby.
Turf Club Draftsman Balcony
The new Turf Club will be enhanced with a newly constructed balcony that will feature booth and table seating beneath a canopy with a view of pre-race activity in the Paddock.
Turf Club Roses Lounge
The new Turf Club Roses Lounge will be located on the third floor of the clubhouse adjacent to the Turf Club in the space previously occupied by the Matt Winn Dining Room. The 4,700-square-feet space will feature a new bar, banquette seating, and individual dining tables, including 12 tables that honor and tell the story of each Triple Crown winner and a Champions Wall with plaques dedicated to each Kentucky Derby winner.
Turf Club Boxes
Formerly the Indoor Premium Boxes, the Turf Club Boxes will be remodeled with white timber and seating for 6-10 guests, banquette-style upholstered seating in the back, and padded chairs in the front. The Turf Club Boxes are situated indoorsalong the glass in front of the Turf Club Lounge. Each private box will be equipped with a tablet for in-box food and beverage ordering and delivery service.
Directors Room
The private Directors Room, currently situated on the fourth floor of the Clubhouse, will be relocated to the third floor in a newly constructed space above the Gate 17 entrance. The 7,000-square-foot space will include indoor lounge areas, a canopy-covered terrace with outdoor seating, meeting space, a concierge, and private elevator.
The winning connections of stakes races, select guests, and dignitaries are typically hosted by track officials in this venue, which is one of the most exclusive hospitality rooms at Churchill Downs.
Clubhouse Balconies
Premium seating will be added to the fourth and fifth floor balconies for views of the racing and Paddock action and an up-close view of the Twin Spires. Both balconies will be covered by green canopies, provide food and beverage offerings and feature seating for approximately 140 patrons that also will have access to indoor spaces for wagering and restrooms.
The Clubhouse Enhancements Project, which encompasses 82,000 square feet, will increase premium seating capacity in those areas by 41% from 1,886 to 2,660. Total reserved seating for Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day in 2016 will increase from 57,880 to 58,654.
"With more than 170,000 people attending this year's Kentucky Derby, the demand for tickets to the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) 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."
Interior renovations will begin immediately after the conclusion of the 21-day fall meet that 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 (gr. I) and $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) are scheduled for Friday, May 6, and Saturday, May 7, 2016, respectively.
According to the release, 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.