Populous designed the $37M building that was built above existing grandstandsGETTY IMAGES
Churchill Downs will debut $69M worth of improvements at Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, including 32 new suites and a new “front door” at the iconic track. The suites are in a new three-story, 77,250-square-foot tower built at the starting gate. Populous designed the $37M building. It was built above existing grandstands and each level has themed dining experiences around horse racing’s crown jewel. The suites can accommodate 32-64 people and bring the total number of permanent suites at Churchill to more than 105, said Churchill Downs GM Ryan Jordan. The new structure will add 1,800 seats, including dining areas, as well as 110 in the grandstand area below the suites. Populous and Churchill Downs have also developed a new $32M entry plaza that creates a more experience-focused entry into the track and its trademark twin spires on its main grandstand. “We want them to feel and connect with the great history we have here,” said Populous Senior Principal Kelly Kerns. “People are coming to see these twin spires. This creates a true front door.” Populous is also working on a rooftop terrace at the new suite building, which could debut as early as '19.
CAN I HAVE ANOTHER? Churchill Downs guests can sample two new signature drinks this weekend -- The Spire, featuring Woodford Reserve Bourbon, lemonade, cranberry juice, crushed ice and a lemon twist, for garnish; and the Oaks Lily, featuring premium Finlandia Classic Vodka and a luminous pink color, comprised of sweet and sour mix, triple sec and cranberry juice. They will sell for $14 each on the Oaks and Derby days. As for the Derby’s signature mint juleps, Churchill Downs expects to sell 127,000 the day of the race.
SECURITY CHECK: Metal detectors will be deployed at Churchill Downs entrances for the first time. The track has used hand wands to screen fans but will deploy 80 metal detector stations for this year’s race.
