The racetrack, which is owned by Louisville-based Churchill Downs Inc., said Tuesday that it will invest $16 million into the renovation of the second floor of its Clubhouse facility, a popular spot during Kentucky Derby and Oaks day and other major events.
The racetrack also is creating a new Twin Spires Club Elite Gold Room for VIP bettors that will stand beside an expanded Champions Bar that will have new covered balconies and table seating with a view of the Paddock.
Also, the Aristides Lounge — an unfinished space used for select events — will be transformed into a permanent event space with table seating and a wall of 90-inch flat-screen televisions, the release said. Furthermore, the racetrack will debut The Loft at Aristides Lounge, an enhanced dining and simulcast wagering area.
In addition to the new lounge and dining options, all decor within the renovated Clubhouse area will be a mix of modern furnishings with historical context, reflecting the past and history of the legendary racetrack, according to the release.
“Churchill Downs places the highest emphasis on customer service, and we’re listening to what our guests have told us,” Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack, said in the release. “Through recent post-event surveys, customers have steadily told us that they’d prefer better flow in our facility with less time waiting in line, more restrooms and additional food offerings.”
The project is set to start after the fall meet concludes, which runs from Oct. 30 until Nov. 27, and will be completed before the start of the 2017 spring meet on Saturday, April 29, kicking off Kentucky Derby week.
This project follows an $18 million renovation of the racetrack’s Turf Club and other premier locations completed last year by Churchill Downs Inc. (Nasdaq: CHDN).
Racetrack officials said Tuesday that $87.4 million has been spent on major capital improvements to the racetrack in the past seven years and $209.8 million since a major Clubhouse and Grandstand renovation wrapped up in 2005.
Tags: Calhoun Construction, Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, Kevin Flanery, Louisville Kentucky, Ryan Jordan, Turf Club