Churchill Downs has announced $9 million in renovations highlighted by
The Mansion, which will be located on the sixth floor of the Clubhouse in an
The Media Center and the new gathering space adjacent to the Paddock are
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“We’ve been hinting at details of The Mansion and those mentions have
generated considerable buzz in our community and the racing and sports
entertainment industries, so it’s good to provide some enticing details of a
marvelous venue that will take the Kentucky Derby experience to an extraordinary
new level,” said Kevin Flanery, President of Churchill Downs. “Few events in the
world can offer the experiences provided by the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky
Oaks, which combine entertainment, fashion, celebrity, food and fun with the
excitement generated by the world-class races that are their respective
centerpieces. The sensations experienced by our guests in The Mansion will be
unlike any offered in our 138-year history.”
The $9 million in spending on the four projects brings total investment over
the past decade in facilities by Churchill Downs, one of the world’s most
recognized sports venues that also ranks among Kentucky’s oldest businesses, to
more than $150 million. The investment total also includes the sweeping
renovation of the track’s Clubhouse and Grandstand, which was completed in 2005
with a final price tag of $122.4 million, and the purchase and installation of a
permanent lighting system for the main track and turf course, a $4 million
project completed in 2010.
“The four projects getting underway this summer at Churchill Downs are the
latest steps in an ongoing effort to improve and enhance both the facilities and
the customer experience at Churchill Downs,” Flanery said. “The more than $150
million in spending on facilities over the past decade at Churchill Downs has
been targeted toward that goal and represents a significant investment in our
city, state and region. We will continue those efforts to ensure that the
Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and their home track remain major economic engines
for our region for decades to come.”
Patrons will be delivered to The Mansion at Churchill Downs via private
The Mansion, with seating and exclusive entertainment opportunities for more
Like other premium seating areas at Churchill Downs, The Mansion will be an
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The new Media Center will be conveniently located near Churchill Downs’ Gate
1 entrance and Paddock in a building that has housed the track’s General
Offices. Its first floor will be transformed into an open facility outfitted
with comfortable media work stations, multiple large screen televisions,
enhanced Wi-Fi and other technology for digital coverage of major races and
events, and food service and bar facilities. The Media Center will feature a
dedicated area for press conferences, and several third-floor boxes have been
set aside for viewing of the Derby, Oaks and other races by credentialed media
representatives.
Offices currently located in the new Media Center site are relocating to the
building’s second floor, which formerly housed offices of Churchill Downs’
parent firm, Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI). The corporate offices were recently
moved to CDI’s new headquarters at 600 North Hurstbourne Lane in Louisville.
The new Gold Room for Churchill Downs VIP players is located on the second
floor of the Clubhouse in a space that had previously been utilized as the
Champions Lounge. Previously located on the sixth floor of the Clubhouse, the
new Gold Room is a larger facility with additional seating. The facility has
been outfitted with new large-screen televisions, food and bar service and a
terrific vantage point for the viewing of pre-race activity in the Paddock
during the track’s Spring and Fall Meet. The new Gold Room will open in early
August.
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