LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Fans returning to Churchill Downs this week will notice some major changes this year. The track recently unveiled a new reserved and premium seating area around the first turn, and guests will notice changes to the Paddock as Churchill Downs looks ahead to even bigger renovations coming for Kentucky Derby 150.
The all-new First Turn Club and First Turn Reserved Seating features some of the best views Churchill Downs offers. Guests will enjoy exclusive views of the Kentucky Derby walkover and the first turn framed by the Twin Spires.
“The view up here is a view unlike any others we’ve seen in track history,” said Darren Rogers, senior director of communications and media services for Churchill Downs Racetrack, while standing on the highest vantage point of the first turn concourse. “I mean, you’ve got a view of the entire race track.”
The $90 million project brings 7,100 all-inclusive seats. It replaces the former 3,400 temporary Oaks and Derby seats with 5,100 permanent stadium seats.
Below the new stadium seating are 2,000 more premium seats located inside the new 50,000 sq. ft. First Turn Club. The expansive climate-controlled hospitality venue offers guests access to a trackside viewing terrace, upscale dining, and a 360 degree video board. At last check, there were still a few tickets available for Oaks and Derby First Turn Club Dining. Tickets for the two-day all-inclusive package cost $2,624 per seat.
“It’s separate from the rest of our facility and I think the people that are going to be here for the Oaks and Derby are really going to be treated to something great,” said Rogers.
Thurby, Oaks and Derby-goers will also notice major changes to the Paddock this year.
Construction workers have been working around the clock—transforming it from an empty construction site in January to a refined area just in time for Kentucky Derby 149. Guests will notice the racetrack is under construction, but Rogers said attendees shouldn’t encounter any major obstructions on Derby day.
Churchill Downs has installed a temporary Paddock for Kentucky Derby 149 while they continue work on the major renovations debuting next year—but don’t be fooled by the term “temporary.” Rogers said they’re pretty happy with how it turned out.
“You know, we’re very proud of how this temporary Paddock looks for Derby 149. I think there are many racetracks around the country that would like to have our temporary Paddock, but I really can’t wait to see what the final product is going to be in Derby 150,” Rogers said.
The $200 million Paddock renovation will serve as a centerpiece for the 150th ‘Run for the Roses’ in 2024. It will be more than double the size of the old Paddock, create 3,600 additional seats and 3,250 new standing room tickets, and feature new club spaces, dining tables and rail boxes. Churchill Downs recently unveiled a new website for Kentucky Derby 150 where thoroughbred racing fans can take a closer look at the new offerings tied to the major Paddock rebuild project.
“The Paddock that we tore up was about 5,000 sq. ft. The new one is going to be 12,000. That Paddock debuted in the mid-1980s. Prior to that, it was more in what is now known as the Plaza Area. So, it’s had a lot of different versions. None like the new one. The new one is going to be absolutely incredible,” said Rogers.
It’s a lot of change in a short period, but Churchill Downs says these types of offerings are things guests have been asking for. And while they wouldn’t show their hand on plans beyond Derby 150, they say they’re not done yet.