LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Churchill Downs Inc. announced four new projects Wednesday that would transform both the grandstand and infield areas of the historic Louisville racetrack, a project the company calls the largest in its 150-year history.

The four projects are expected to be completed between 2026 and 2028. Darren Rogers, track spokesperson, said Churchill Downs is footing the bill, which is projected to cost roughly $920 million.

Portions of the project will be ready in time for the 152nd Kentucky Derby in May 2026, but the entirety of the work announced Wednesday won't be completed until the 154th Kentucky Derby in May 2028, Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) said.

"Different areas will be under construction throughout the spring, September and fall meets," Darren Roger, senior director of communications & media services at Churchill Downs, said Thursday. "It'll be done in three phases." 

Below is a rundown of the projects:

The Skye

  • Price: $455 million to $465 million
  • Timeline: May 2027 to May 2028

A full reimagination of the area between the existing grandstand and the new First Turn experience, The Skye project will replace 11,500 existing uncovered box seats and dining areas with 13,300 new seats. With what CDI calls "premium hospitality experiences," the seats, pictured above, will also have improved views just past the finish line and upgraded amenities. 

From the exterior of the track, this project will also include a new five-story structure to fully enclose and transform the south exterior.

The first three floors of the project are expected to open for the 153rd Kentucky Derby in May 2027 with the remaining portions complete for the 154th Derby in May 2028.

The Skye at Churchill Downs (Rendering)

From the exterior of the track, The Skye project will also include a new five-story structure to full enclose and transform the south exterior. (Photo courtesy of Churchill Downs Incorporated)

Conservatory Project

  • Price: $320 million to $330 million
  • Timeline: May 2026 to May 2027

The second high-profile change announced Wednesday is a massive structure that'll stretch the entirety of the infield from top of the backstretch to past the finish line. The Conservatory Project will replace 2,100 temporary seats with new permanent structures providing 7,000 "premium experiences."

In Phase One, CDI will install a Pagoda Club and Terrace, offering views of the grandstand and "unprecedented visibility" of the grandstand and winner's circle. The first building, with nine upgraded suites, will offer rooftop dining and new views of the racetrack, frontside and infield.

Phase One is expected to open in time for the 152nd Kentucky Derby in May 2026. Phase Two is scheduled to open in time for the 153rd Derby in 2027, and Phase Three will complete the entire project in time for the 154th Derby in 2028.

The Conservatory at Churchill Downs (Rendering)

A massive structure that'll stretch the entirety of the infield from top of the backstretch to past the finish line. The Conservatory Project will replace 2,100 temporary seats with new permanent structures providing 7,000 "premium experiences." (Photo courtesy of Churchill Downs Incorporated)

Infield General Admissions Project

  • Price: $60 million to $70 million
  • Timeline: May 2026 to May 2028

The eastern edge of the infield is in line to get a significant upgrade, adding permanent structures for general admission guests where only grass sits today. Rogers said tickets will be just as coveted as ones for "a Taylor Swift concert or the Super Bowl."

"Demand and unique product offerings always determine pricing," he said. "There's a long waiting list of people wanting to get in through the doors." 

The first building will open for the 152nd Kentucky Derby in 2026, followed by the second building in 2027 and the third building in 2028.

Infield General Admission at Churchill Downs (Rendering)

CDI plans to install a new tunnel to the infield, adding a second path for fans to go to and from the grandstand near Gate 18 just south of the finish line. (Photo courtesy of Churchill Downs Incorporated)

Infrastructure Projects

  • Price: $45 million to $55 million
  • Timeline: N/A

Finally, CDI plans to install a new tunnel to the infield, adding a second path for fans to go to and from the grandstand near Gate 18 just south of the finish line. The company said Wednesday this new tunnel will be an "immersive underground journey for guests delivering 150 years of Kentucky Derby storytelling magic and building excitement for the day ahead."

What's Next

CDI already has projects underway to add $90 million in upgrades before the 151st Kentucky Derby in May. The track 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.

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.

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," William Carstanjen, chief executive officer of CDI, said in the company's Q3 earnings calls last year.

Tickets for Kentucky Derby 151 are already on sale.  

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