LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Churchill Downs has announced $9 million in renovations including design plans and details for The Mansion at Churchill Downs, a new venue that will offer, "a lavish ambience, panoramic views and unprecedented levels of personalized service, elegance and excitement," according to a news release.
The Mansion, which will be located on the 6th floor of the Clubhouse in an area that has largely served as the track's media center since 2005, will be open for the 2013 renewals of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks.
It is the largest of four projects that will be underway at the track in the coming months.
Accompanying projects include a new Media Center to serve print, digital and broadcast journalists and the photographers and videographers who cover the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and other on-track events; the razing of the Paddock Pavilion to create an open gathering space for patrons of the Derby, Oaks, "Downs After Dark" racing and business and social events throughout the year; and the relocation and expansion of the track's Gold Room, which serves VIP members of its Twin Spires Club's TSC Elite wagering rewards program.
The Media Center and the new gathering space adjacent to the Paddock are scheduled to be completed prior to Churchill Downs' Oct. 28-Nov. 25 Fall Meet, and the expanded Gold Room is set to open in August. The Mansion at Churchill Downs will be completed prior to the 2013 Spring Meet and its 139th runnings of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby scheduled, respectively, for Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4.
"We've been hinting at details of The Mansion and those mentions have generated considerable buzz in our community and the racing and sports entertainment industries, so it's good to provide some enticing details of a marvelous venue that will take the Kentucky Derby experience to an extraordinary new level," said Kevin Flanery, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack, in a news release.
Patrons will be delivered to The Mansion at Churchill Downs via private elevator. It will seat more than 320 guests, who will have access to a private wine cellar, and personal concierge service.
Like other premium seating areas at Churchill Downs, The Mansion will be an invitation-only venue for both the Derby and Oaks. Churchill Downs is contacting potential patrons of The Mansion with details of the luxurious amenities and extraordinary personalized service the new location will provide.
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