LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Churchill Downs announced a project that will transform the racetrack's paddock.
The project will debut for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby in 2024 and will cost between $185 million and $200 million, the final phase of a three-year capital plan for Churchill Downs.
Track officials said the new design is aimed at enhancing the visibility of the Twin Spires as well as update the audio visual experience and existing tickets products and amenities.
The traditional paddock where the horses are saddled for races including the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby will be torn down. Renderings show an open grassy area with two story premium seating and video boards. In the center is an open grassy area.
“This is one of the most significant construction projects in the history of Churchill Downs Racetrack because it significantly impacts what we consider to be the heart of the property,” Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI, said in a news release. “We took great care to ensure this is designed in a way that would transform Churchill Downs while enhancing our ability to deliver on what our fans hope for and expect from us for generations to come.”
Churchill Downs said it with take the 5,000-square-foot guest space and turn it into 12,000 square feet. The capacity will also increase from 1,000 to 2,400 people.
IMAGES | An empty Churchill Downs during the 2020 pandemic
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- Eric Crawford photo.
- Eric Crawford photo.
- Eric Crawford photo.
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The project is expected to create 3,612 new premium reserved seats and 3,250 new standing room-only tickets.
Churchill Downs announced plans to renovate the iconic Paddock. The $200 million project is expected to be finished in 2024 for the 150th Kentucky Derby. April 28, 2022
Some of those premium seats will be in the Paddock Club, which will overlook the horse stalls. During an earnings call on Thursday, Carstanjen said changes will bring a new energy to the track.
"The Paddock is the heart of the racetrack. It's where the horses are paraded and saddled for everyone to see. Where the jockeys mingle before they hear "riders up" and mount up. It's where some of our guests decide for whom they will cheer and bet. The Paddock is truly where the best of the pagentry and spectacle that is the Kentucky Derby converge to create the energy that courses throughout the racetrack."
Construction is expected to begin after this year's spring meet. Renovations to the Paddock are the final of three planned projects. Castanjen said he still believes there are expansions and changes they can plan for the future.
Churchill Downs announced plans to renovate the iconic Paddock. The $200 million project is expected to be finished in 2024 for the 150th Kentucky Derby. April 28, 2022
"There is still a fair amount of real-estate , but one step at a time, We need to show we can do successfully most important projects, nail projects every year, it's as simple as looking the real-estate. There is still opportunity on front side of the racetrack, not even talking about what you’d do in the infield," he said.
Carstanjen also said the Derby City Gaming facility and hotel in downtown Louisville is on track. The hotel should reopen in the second quarter of 2023.
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