“An Annual Tradition Since 1939”: $200,000,000 Expansion Project at Churchill Downs Set to Enhance Fan Experience at Kentucky Derby

Excitement is in the air for the equestrian community as the Kentucky Derby approaches. Kentucky Derby 2023 will be the 149th renewal of ‘The Run for the Roses’. Churchill Downs, one of the most famous racetracks in the world, has been the home of the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks since the year 1875.

The thoroughbred racetrack located on Central Avenue in south Louisville, Kentucky, was named after Samuel Churchill and his family who were a prominent name in Kentucky for years. Ahead of this year’s race, Churchill Downs is being decorated and refurbished for the paramount event that it hosts.

Churchill Downs gets a makeover for the 149th Kentucky Derby

As per a report by Lex 18, Darren Rogers, who is the spokesperson for Churchill Downs, spoke with reporters from the Winner’s Circle. This interview took place as the famed horse racing track was being prepared for this year’s Kentucky Derby and a new sign which read “149th Kentucky Derby, 2023” was being put up. Rogers told the reporters, “This has been an annual tradition since 1939, and people love it.” 

The excitement was palpable, and it had colored Darren Rogers’ disposition as well, as he added, “We’re 19 days away.” In Lex 18’s report, it was also revealed that the equine athletes that are going to participate in the Derby are already on the venue. It was also hinted that the fan-favorite Forte had also reached the racetrack. What is really going to be a treat for the fans, is the upgrades that Churchill Downs has undergone in anticipation of the upcoming event.  The paddock at the racetrack, which is still under renovation, is going to give a completely novel viewing experience to the audience.

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While renovations are still underway, they are going to be complete in time for the race by the next month. Rogers said, “What’s great about this paddock is that it’s sunken 7 feet, so you’ll be able to have tiered viewing.” The paddock will have separate stalls for all the 20 entrants, and much better sight lines for the fans to look through. While the paddock is a thrilling new change, Churchill Downs has even bigger news for Derby fans.

Historical equestrian racetrack to undergo a behemoth expansion

The historical racetrack is set to be expanded, and the expansion project will cost a whopping $200 million. However, the project will only conclude by the next year. Nevertheless, there are many exciting changes waiting at the track for the audience to go gaga over. The first turn area has already undergone a transformation. A grandstand has been added, and Rogers described it by saying, “Stadium-style, padded seats, a very unique look and a great backdrop of the track and view of the horses walking onto the track.” 

The new grandstand will be able to accommodate 7,000 additional spectators. Some tickets are still available to be grabbed for that area. While the Kentucky Derby is nothing short of a grand celebration in Louisville, this year’s Derby is marred by a tragedy after the shooting at Louisville’s Old National Bank. When the reporters asked Rogers if there was any ceremony taking place to honor the victims of the shooting, he informed them that nothing was finalized but the team was deliberating how to handle the sensitive situation.

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The 149th Kentucky Derby will also be a commemoration of the 50 anniversary of Secretariat’s historic win at Churchill Downs with the aid of a mobile exhibit. Churchill Downs definitely has a lot of surprises for the fans this year. Are you excited to watch this year’s Kentucky Derby?