Churchill Downs Confirms $90M Grandstand and Pavilion Renovation

The provider of pari-mutuel horseracing, casino gambling and entertainment, Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), confirmed its intention for a new massive investment at Churchill Downs Racetrack. The company released details regarding the planned renovation of its Grandstand Club and Pavilion at the racetrack on Wednesday.

The latest announcement comes after recently, CDI recently completed a massive refurbishment of its racetrack. The renovation works cost a mind-blowing $200 million and were completed in time for the Kentucky Derby’s 150th edition. This year’s Kentucky Derby was ultimately won by Mystik Dan and jockey Brian Hernandez Junior.

Per CDI’s latest announcement, the renovation of the Grandstand Club and Pavilion is expected to cost between $80 million and $90 million. Similar to the previous overhaul at Churchill Downs Racetrack, the works are expected to be completed ahead of next year’s race. In other words, the redevelopment will be ready for the 151st Kentucky Derby scheduled for May 2025.

Mike Anderson, Churchill Downs’ president, spoke about the importance of the planned renovation. He said that just like other improvements, the works seek to deliver exceptional guest entertainment. At the same time, Anderson said that the improvements seek to recognize the historic significance of the property.

“Like all of our recent enhancements at Churchill Downs, the renovation of the grandstands represents our commitment to providing unique guest seating options while honoring the historic significance of the property in order to achieve a world-class sports and entertainment experience for our guests.“

Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs

The Revamp Will Bring Comfortable Seats, Additional Amenities

The planned works at Grandstand Club will revamp the existing outdoor aluminum bleachers. The massive investment is expected to deliver some 8,300 new comfortable seating for visitors of the racetrack.

Besides rail boxes, there will be uncovered stadium-style seats as well. The seating will be positioned alongside the dirt track. Special “trackside” seats will offer supreme experiences for racing fans who don’t want to miss a moment once the horses break from the Kentucky Derby Starting Gate.

In addition to the seating, the improvements on the first floor will include new and upgraded betting windows, bars and permanent concessions.

The works on the second floor will involve conversion into an outdoor garden with new betting windows, bars and concessions. Additional space will be used on the second floor for the establishment of seats for dining, as well as an open-air balcony.

The $80-$90 million transformation at the Grandstand Club and Pavilion also includes improvements to the third-floor box seats. There will be new amenities added to the area that offer seating for 2,800 guests.