Churchill Downs Investing $90 Million More in Renovations

Churchill Downs is going back to the money tree that grows in the Infield to invest just shy of $100 million in facility improvements.

The racetrack that hosts the Kentucky Derby is keeping Louisville construction companies in business with another year of additional improvements. In April Churchill Downs completed a $200 million renovation to the Paddock area. This time it’s the grandstand that’s receiving a facelift.

Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI) announced on Wednesday they will invest $80-$90 million to improve the grandstand area or Kentucky Derby 150. CDI is replacing the bleachers with 8,300 stadium-style seats and rail boxes along the dirt track.

Of course, Churchill Downs isn’t just replacing the bleachers. If they’re making a renovation, you bet your sweet buns they’re adding some new luxury amenities.

The new Grandstand Pavilion “will create a more upscale social environment” for folks who have Derby tickets on the third floor and the Starting Gate Suites. Patrons will be greeted into the area by a new “stately entrance.” Sounds nice, right?

The renovation of the grandstand was bound to happen. Following this project, the Skye Terrace and a small portion of the first turn are the only sections of Churchill Downs that have not received significant upgrades over the last 20 years.

Frankly, I’d prefer to see CDI use all of their profits to keep prices affordable, rather than investing hundreds of millions annually to make the old facility not look so old. The grandstand was the final space that still looked like the racetrack I grew up attending. On a regular race day for Paddock patrons, it was an easily accessible, convenient place to watch the races. That was not the case during the spring meet when its doors were closed for horse racing fans.

The area beneath the Twin Spires is losing its quirks, but at least folks will have more comfortable seats on the first Saturday in May.

Renderings of New Churchill Downs Renovation

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