LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky Derby 150 is less than two months away.  With thousands of expected at Churchill Downs for the historic race, officials are making improvements to help ensure the crowd has cell service on Derby Day. 

"The excitement around town is unmatched," said track spokesman Darren Rogers. "This is a landmark Derby, unquestionably."

The multi-million dollar paddock project and jockey suite renovations are getting finishing touches. It's all to amaze roughly 150,000 people who are expected to attend Derby 150. Officials said it will be a better, but not necessarily bigger year at the track.

"We've sided more for the quality experience than having these record crowds," Rogers said.

Still, that's a lot of people, and phones, for one space. In recent years, cell service at Churchill Downs has been spotty for the big event. Without the proper planning, it could be hard to find your friends or place online horse racing bets.

"More money is being bet on Kentucky racing at Churchill Downs than ever before," Rogers said.

Verizon is preparing the racetrack and Louisville's network to meet the higher demand during Derby week.

Verizon Derby Satellite Truck

Verizon is preparing the area around Churchill Downs and Louisville's network to meet the higher demand during Kentucky Derby week.  (WDRB Image by Reyna Katko) March 14, 2024

Engineers will set up 5G antennas and radios for higher data speeds. While that's only for Verizon users, it frees up space for people on other carriers to get cell service.

"You could still call and send texts," Scott Hansen with Verizon said. "That's still over the traditional 4G network."

Creating more space and better signal to help you enjoy this year's monumental Derby. Construction at Churchill Downs wraps up April 7, 2024. Opening day is April 27.

Tickets are on sale now for Kentucky Oaks and Derby. Click here to see pricing.

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