Iconic race track looks unrecognisable with £700million in upgrades including plush new five-storey VIP area
THE iconic Churchill Downs race track is set for a huge multi-year £700million upgrade project.
The famous track is home to the Kentucky Derby and will undergo “transformational” changes that have been labelled as the “largest expansion and renovation” in the track’s 150-year history.
Renovations to the Kentucky-based track will be split into three projects, the Skye Reconstruction and Expansion Project (“The Skye Project”), the Conservatory Project, and the Infield General Admission Project.
The Skye Project will focus on seating just past the finish line, replacing 11,500 existing seats with 13,300 new ones, alongside premium hospitality experiences.
It will also add a sensational five-storey VIP area to host the fanciest of guests with improved track views and upgraded amenities.
Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), claim that the first three floors of the development will be completed by May 2027, with the other areas finished by May 2028.
The Conservatory Project will add even more plush hospitality to the famous track.
Removing 2,100 temporary seats, a new permanent structure will be built to add 7,000 “premium experiences for guests”.
That will include 36 specially designed suites, covered rooftop dining and “unparalleled views of the racetrack”.
That entire project isn’t scheduled to be completed until the 154th Kentucky Derby in 2028.
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Finally, the Infield General Admission Project will change what’s on offer for the usual punter, not just the elite hospitality guest.
That project plans to add three new infield buildings to provide “enhanced amenities” to general admission guests.
As well as offering them the opportunity to upgrade their tickets with additional entertainment and rooftop viewing options.
In total the project is expected to cost CDI around £700MILLION ($975m).
A predicted £367m ($465m) is set to be invested in the Skye Project, £260m ($330m) into the Conservatory Project and a further £43m ($70m) into the general admission areas.
Over £30m ($55m) is expected to be invested into infrastructure projects at the same time, including upgrades to the horsemen and trainer areas.
CDI chief Bill Carstanjen said: “These projects as well as key infrastructure improvements, reflect the company’s commitment to providing world-class hospitality and premium seating options for guests for many decades to come.
“We have a proven track record of prudently investing capital in the Kentucky Derby to create once-in-a lifetime experiences for our guests while also creating significant long-term value for our shareholders.”