Horse racing in Kentucky dates back to 1789, when the first racecourse was constructed in Lexington. Almost 100 years later, in 1875, Churchill Downs officially opened its gates in Louisville and began its tradition as “Home of the Kentucky Derby” and the longest continually running sporting event in America.  Churchill Downs upgrades improved traffic and parking flow for visitors. The project added a pedestrian plaza and enlarged paddock entrance gate for bus riders and pedestrians.

Calhoun Construction served as the Construction Manager. This project covered more than 2,000,000 sqft or 46 acres providing the construction of 3 new buildings, including a ticket office, a fire command center/security booth, and a new addition to the existing media building. A new media compound was constructed to feature multiple truck hookup that will be used to broadcast live racing events. Some other construction features on this job site included a 66” super interceptor and a large underground retention basin. Work was done in phases from November 2017 until the Kentucky Derby, and then from Kentucky Derby until the Breeders Cup in 2018.