LOUISVILLE, Ky. — With just 10 days until the 150th Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs is celebrating a major milestone: the completion of its new paddock.
The project, which began two years ago, transformed this section of the track. Now, horse stalls are lined up below the iconic twin spires, giving race fans a view like never before.
Additional seating and viewing areas have also been constructed around the paddock, adding more than 3,000 additional seats.
“This type of paddock delivers a really unique experience for all the different types of guests," said Darren Rogers, senior communications director for Churchill Downs. "We've got 3,200 tiered viewing areas of space for general admission, free of charge. You've got some low seating, some dining on the second floors overlooking on the paddock terrace."
Two high-end clubs have also been added, which flank the new paddock. The Woodford Reserve and Sports Illustrated Paddock Clubs both offer views of the paddock that have never been seen before.
Both also feature brick pillars, which were discovered during the renovation process, and are from the original 1890s grandstands at the track.
A feature Rogers said he thinks is one of a kind, the Woodford Reserve Club includes an underground tunnel, lined with bourbon barrel heads, that leads to the center of the paddock.
Fans will get to experience the reimagined paddock beginning Saturday, April 27, for the opening of the Spring Meet. The Kentucky Oaks and Derby will be held May 3 and May 4, respectively.