LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Churchill Downs is in the midst of nearly $100 million in renovations ahead of Kentucky Derby 151, just the latest effort to modernize and maximize Louisville's historic ode to horse racing. The track is also planning numerous other projects, adding even more premium seating and maybe even a new way to experience the infield.

Churchill has already made significant progress adding new premium seating in an area at the top of the stretch — also near the Kentucky Derby's starting position — that is currently made up of aluminum bleachers. Once the project is complete, there will be 8,300 "comfortable seating options," including covered and uncovered stadium-style seats as well as boxes along the rail.

"We continue to invest," Churchill Downs spokesperson Darren Rogers said Friday. "We're taking out all the old bleachers, replacing those with comfortable, stadium-style chairback seats."

Updates will also be made inside, adding amenities for 2,800 guests in the third-floor box seats for what will be called the Starting Gate Suites. The project will also create a new Grandstand Pavilion, an "upscale social environment" that will see the second-floor amenity area converted into a "covered outdoor garden environment." The new Grandstand Pavilion will feature new concession, bar and betting windows.

Churchill Downs officials estimate the project will cost between $80 million and $90 million and open in April 2025 in time for Kentucky Derby 151.

Grandstand Pavilion Rendering

The project will create a new Grandstand Pavilion, an "upscale social environment" that will see the second-floor amenity area converted into a "covered outdoor garden environment." (Photo courtesy of Churchill Downs, Inc.)

First up is this season's Fall Meet, which begins Sunday. But, even before those races, tourists and guests are stopping by the property to take in the history. While Wayne Willis was visiting the city he used to call home Friday, he made sure to show his friends the track under the Twin Spires.

"You grow up in Louisville, you kind of take it for granted," Willis said. "It's a big deal. You've got to invest in it."

And that investment isn't stopping this year. In Thursday's Q3 earnings calls, Churchill Downs Inc. CEO William Carstanjen said a new long-term project will transform the area past the finish line between the grandstand and the First Turn Club. For those sitting about 180 feet past the finish line, Carstanjen said the Sky Terrace will come down and, over the next three to four years, be replaced by a completely different look along a 500-foot stretch of the track.

The work will replace more than 10,000 uncovered box seats and dining areas with about 16,000 "premium hospitality experiences."

"This is a considerable undertaking and will meaningfully increase the number of reserved seats and experiential options at various price points on the front side of the racetrack," Carstanjen said on the call. 

Carstanjen also spoke briefly about projects to improve the infield experience, adding premium permanent structures to seat about 7,000 people in place of the current temporary structures that seat 800. Doing that, he said, would require the addition of a second tunnel from the front side of the property for a "reimagined Oaks and Derby infield."

Churchill Downs Construction

Churchill Downs officials estimate the project to upgrade the starting gate seating and nearby pavilion will cost between $80 million and $90 million and open in April 2025 in time for Kentucky Derby 151. Oct. 25, 2024. (WDRB Photo) 

Updates on those plans are expected in February. 

Rogers said for years, investments at Churchill Downs have been to modernize the facility and improve guest experience.

"That's the thing we pride ourselves in, delivering unique experiences for the Kentucky Derby for every customer base," said Rogers.

Rhonda Lee, who lives near Churchill Downs, said her experience surrounding Derby week has changed over the years. She said construction projects have led to traffic nearby and parking can be a headache Derby week. But her friends and family from back home in Texas get excited hearing she lives so close to the Twin Spires.

"People recognize it," Lee said. "And, I mean, ... the world knows Churchill Downs. Please. Everybody knows Churchill Downs."

Tickets for Kentucky Derby 151 went on sale this week. Rogers said for those who plan to attend, it's best to buy tickets early. 

"Racing at Churchill Downs, on a day in and day out basis, has never been stronger," Rogers said Friday. "We believe we're No. 1 in racing right now."

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