Officials at Churchill Downs have announced a number of new VIP experiences at the track, including the construction of a hotel, permanent stadium seating and a historical racing machine (HRM) facility to be located in the first turn at the track, as well as a renovation project of Millionaires Row. Construction would begin in December 2019 with completion projected for the end of 2021.
A 156-room, seven-story hotel will feature track-facing suites, each with private balconies, and offering panoramic views of the track, as well as non track-facing rooms that will offer access to a second-floor party deck to watch racing.
The hotel will include a state-of-the-art gaming floor with 900 HRMs, a sports bar, VIP lounge and multiple year-round dining options.
New permanent covered stadium seating for 4,700 racegoers will replace the 3,300 temporary grandstands located in that area. In total the new project will offer 5,500 new reserved seating options for the Derby and Oaks, and 6,700 existing customers will have access to upgraded amenities.
The project, which will create 600 construction jobs and 300 new permanent jobs upon completion, is pending final approval of the Kentucky Tourism Development Incentive Act.
Millionaires Row is also set to undergo an $11-million renovation on the sixth floor, featuring upgraded guest offerings. The renovated space will feature private dining rooms, lounge seating, window dining and a speakeasy bourbon room. More information on individual tickets to the new space for Kentucky Derby 2020 will be made available during an online ticket sale later this year.
Renovation will begin at the close of Churchill Downs' Fall Meet in December 2019 and will be completed prior to the running of the 146th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve Saturday, May 2, 2020.
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