LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Churchill Downs is halting a $300 million project announced in October because of the uncertainties around the coronavirus. The now delayed project includes a 156-room, 7-story hotel, a 900-machine HRM gaming area and covered, permanent stadium seating for 4,700.
CEO Bill Carstanjen made the announcement this week during a first-quarter earnings conference call. The project was originally projected to be complete next year. It's still unclear when that project will now resume and end.
"We've decided to delay further build-out of the hotel and historical racing machine facility at Churchill Downs racetrack until we have better visibility into the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the regional economy," Carstanjen said.
While remodel plans are on pause in Lousiville, things are moving forward for Turfway Park in Florence. Churchill Downs Inc. plans to launch a stand-alone historical horse racing facility affiliated with the track nearby in Newport in addition to the historical horse racing games it plans to offer at a remodeled Turfway Park. Churchill Downs said the facility will have a simulcast wagering area, bar, and about 500 HHR games. Carstanjen projects that the facility will be open by the end of the year.
