LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- With less than three weeks until the Kentucky Derby, signs of change are going into place at Churchill Downs.

Track crews changed the sign on the historic grandstand from 148th Derby 2022 to 149th Derby 2023. The sign first went up in 1939.

The much-talked about changes to Churchill Downs are taking shape under the Twin Spires, with the 44-day spring meet opening April 29.Ā 

The track is halfway through a two-year, $300 million project to update the facility, revamp The Paddock and add more high-end seating.Ā 

"If you were here a couple months ago you would ask yourselves 'How are they going to be ready for Derby?"Ā aid Darren Rogers, a spokesman for Churchill Downs.Ā "When you look at it today, you can see it."

The First Turn project added 5,000 covered seats that will be done for the meet, and another 2,000 seats on the lower club level will have a climate-controlled environment and a terrace that takes them right to the rail.

CHURCHILL DOWNS - PADDOCK REMODEL FOR DERBY 149- 4-17-2023 1.jpg

Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. is half way through a two-year construction project.Ā Fans for Kentucky Derby 149 this year will notice big changes to the Paddock with temporary stalls, artificial turf for owners and trainers and railing around the area. WDRB Image by Joel Schipper. April 17, 2023

Churchill Downs is building 175 temporary structures around the facility to prepare for crowds this year. Infield bleachers are already finished.Ā 

The biggest change for fans will be to The Paddock. The space will eventually have a circular arena-style area.

"Right when you walk through the gates at Churchill Downs, you now see the horses flipped 180 degrees beneath the historic Twin Spires," Rogers said. "I think it puts a focal point on the Twin Spires once again."

The project is expected to be finished for Derby 150 in 2024.Ā 

As Churchill Downs adapts in real time, for this year, fans can expect temporary stalls, artificial turf for owners and trainers, railing around the area, along with food and beverage options.

"We're under construction," Rogers said. "We're going to make this the greatest Derby experience for those that come out here to make it as unnoticeable as possible."

The Kentucky Derby 149 runs on Saturday, May 6. Tickets are still available.Ā  For information,Ā click here.

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