LOUISVILLE, Ky. — More changes are coming to the world's most historic racetrack. Churchill Downs announced three major multiyear projects that will debut each year over the next three years. The first project will be the Homestretch Club for Kentucky Derby 2022 and will wrap up with a redesign of the Paddock area for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby in 2024.

“We have so much to anticipate as we look toward the 150th Kentucky Derby in 2024,” said Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack said in a news release. “We’ve listened to our customers’ feedback over the years and the response to those demands can be seen in these upcoming capital projects. The design of each will blend 147 years of tradition with an updated atmosphere that celebrates our storied past and ushers in a spectacular future for Churchill Downs.”

The Homestretch Club will renovate and update the grandstand section of the track which is adjacent to the Twin Spires along the homestretch of the track. Plans call for the current outdoor bleacher seating below the Jockey Club suites to be converted into three different seating options each featuring all-inclusive amenities. Those holding tickets in the Homestretch Club will have access to new hospitality space being built in the first-floor concourse area that will feature a high-end air-conditioned club for visitors to place bets and enjoy all-inclusive food and beverage options. 

The new all-inclusive ticket offerings for the Homestretch Club will include: 

• 30 Trackside Lounges along the rail for up to 200 guests offering a “courtside seat” experience
•  66 Terraced Dining Tables for up to 440 guests creating covered outdoor dining
•  2,610 Stadium Club seats providing a cushioned, comfortable and upgraded experience
• 5 private VIP Hospitality Lounges for up to 60 guests

There will be a total of 3,250 all-inclusive seats, which is 1,950 fewer reserved seats than before. The project will cost $45 million and is set to be completed in time for the 148th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 7, 2022. 

The second project is called the Turn 1 Experience. Churchill Downs plans to build permanent all-inclusive stadium seats along the first turn area. Right now there are 3,400 temporary seats in the area. That number will grow to 5,100 seats with improved amenities. There will also be a climate-controlled hospitality area below the stadium which will have 2,000 guests who will also have access to an adjacent trackside reserved viewing area. 

The Turn 1 Experience will include: 

• 5,100 Covered Stadium Seats
• 50,000 sq. ft. climate-controlled Hospitality Venue that includes reserved dining room tables for up to 2,000 guests with an adjacent trackside Viewing Terrace
• 2 Concourses to allow for better guest circulation and additional customer amenities for stadium seat-ticketed guests, creating a convenient place for socializing with outdoor racetrack view

The cost of this project is $90 million and it is scheduled to be completed for Derby 149 in 2023.

The final project is the Paddock Area Redesign and Churchill plans to transform the existing Paddock area. This project is still early in the design phase. The track hopes the new design will reduce congestion by improving the flow of guests through the Paddock and Plaza areas. The final project is set to debut in 2024 for Derby 150. 

Fans who are interested in tickets to the new Home Stretch Club or Turn 1 Experience can call Churchill Downs at 502-636-4450 or 502-636-4447.