Churchill Downs announced that the Kentucky Oaks will be broadcast in prime time next year and beyond. That means sometime after 8 p.m. That is good news for the Oaks, Churchill Downs and NBC. It will make the race more prominent nationally for sure.
Unfortunately, this is very bad news for local businesses, starting with restaurants. If people are getting out of Churchill Downs after 9 p.m., are they going to spend another half hour to get to a restaurant and then not begin their meal until 10 p.m.? I don't think so. I think the restaurants that really depend on Derby week crowds are going to suffer greatly.
It's bad news for the Friday night charitable galas for the same reason. Who wants to go to a fundraiser at 10 p.m.? Most of the wealthy and generous donors aren't 22 anymore, and a 10 p.m. start just isn't going to work.
As I said, I think it's good for Churchill Downs and NBC. It looks like a good business decision for them but it's going to inflict real harm to a lot of people in Louisville. I'm sure this was discussed, too. Understandably, NBC doesn't care at all about our local restaurateurs or local charities, but I hope Churchill Downs takes another look at this and how this decision will impact local businesspeople.
What are your thoughts?
I'm Bill Lamb, and that's my Point of View.
