Sports Illustrated signs deal with Churchill Downs for luxury Club SI in new Paddock area

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Sports Illustrated is joining forces with Churchill Downs.

In a release, the racetrack announced that Sport Illustrated will have exclusive naming rights for a luxury dining area in the new Paddock as part of a multi-year deal. Club SI will debut on the Opening Night of the Spring Meet ahead of the 150th Kentucky Derby.

Club SI was originally planned as the 1895 Club before the naming rights were announced. It will debut as part of the $200 million renovated Paddock Project at Churchill Downs, which includes luxury boxes, dining areas and a behind-the-scenes view of thoroughbreds heading to the track.

According to the release, "the interior design of Club SI will showcase iconic Sports Illustrated magazine covers, editorials featuring past Kentucky Derby races, SI artwork and a sneak peek into Sports Illustrated's new SI Resorts vertical.

Celebrity ambassadors are also planned to act as hosts for Club SI during the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks for a premium race day experience. The guest list is also expected to include many sports stars and industry names.

The club will be open on premium race days with a curated Chef’s Table Buffet, designated wagering windows, private bars and outdoor trackside viewing on one side and an SI Enclosure on the other, which will deliver a front-row experience of the Paddock.

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