Churchill Downs will undergo a $37 million capital project to install over 1,800 new seats for the 2018 Kentucky Derby, it was announced Thursday. The project will add new luxury suites, interior dining tables and third-floor Grandstand seats.
The Starting Gate Suites project will encompass 77,250 square feet of new space on the north end of the Louisville track. The new luxury suites, which will feature indoor lounge seating with a bar and a private tiered balcony that overlooks the top of the homestretch, will host 1,140 ticketed guests.
“The Starting Gate Suites project is our next step in the company's ongoing efforts to improve and enhance the facilities and the customer experience at Churchill Downs,” said Kevin Flanery, President of Churchill Downs. “The demand for Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks tickets remains extraordinary, with the number of reserved seating requests vastly exceeding our available inventory on an annual basis. This sweeping new addition will be a terrific benefit to our facility on many levels.”
Foundation work on the construction of the Starting Gates Suites will begin in January and cease prior to the 2017 Spring Meet, which will open Saturday, Apr. 29. Guests interested in purchasing a Starting Gate Suite or more information may contact Becky Reid, Senior Director of Premium Ticket Sales, at (502) 636-4533 or John Davis, Senior Director of Sales, at (502) 636-4421.
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