Churchill Downs Announces $211M In Renovations

Churchill Downs is making a big investment in its iconic venue.

The home of the Kentucky Derby announced three capital improvement projects totaling $211 million over the next three years.

• $90 million will go toward the Turn 1 Experience project, featuring 7,100 all-inclusive seats set to be completed by the 2023 Derby.
• Another $45 million will be for renovating and upgrading the Homestretch Club, an area adjacent to the Twin Spires, converting outdoor seating into three unique seating options with amenities.
• The venue also announced construction of a hotel, gaming positions, and amenities at Derby City Gaming worth $76 million, adding 135,000 square feet of new space.

Churchill Downs already houses Millionaires Row, an exclusive interior dining room that starts at $36,000 per table, and The Mansion, an invite-only club featuring a $1,000 mint julep cocktail.

“We’ve listened to our customers’ feedback over the years and the response to those demands can be seen in these upcoming capital projects,” said Churchill Downs president Mike Anderson.

Wagers on this year’s Kentucky Derby Day in April reached $233 million, just shy of the record $250.9 million in 2019.