Churchill Downs planning $80-$90 million grandstand renovation. When will it be ready?

Churchill Downs Inc. announced Wednesday that its signature racetrack in Louisville will undergo an $80-$90 million renovation of the grandstand that will begin in August and be completed in time for the 151st Kentucky Derby next May.

According to a press release from CDI, the renovation of the Grandstand Club and Pavilion will change the existing outdoor aluminum seats to a combination of 8,300 seating varieties that will include covered and uncovered stadium-stayle seats. Also included will be “rail boxes along the dirt track’s outer rail that will offer a ‘trackside’ seating experience where guests will be able to closely watch horses break from the Kentucky Derby starting gate. First-floor amenities for the Grandstand Club will include new and upgraded permanent concessions, bars and wagering windows.”

The third-floor box suites under the Starting Gate Suites, which accommodate 2,800 guests, will also be improved, according to CDI. The existing second-floor amenity area will be converted into a “covered outdoor garden environment.” The renovation will add an outdoor balcony for added dining seats.

“Like all of our recent enhancements at Churchill Downs, the renovation of the grandstands represents our commitment to providing unique guest seating options while honoring the historic significance of the property in order to achieve a world class sports and entertainment experience for our guests,” said Mike Anderson , president of Churchill Downs.

The track completed a $200 million renovation of the Churchill Down paddock in time for the 150th Kentucky Derby this year. The renovation expanded the paddock area from 5,000 to 12,000 square feet and capacity inside the paddock from 1,000 to 2,400.

Those interested in purchasing options for the Grandstand Club and Pavilion can sign up for the online sale at KentuckyDerby.com or call (502) 636-4447 for additional purchasing options including personal seat licenses.

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