While the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) takes only about two minutes, most of the year events in the Louisville area lead to the race at Churchill Downs going on for several weeks.
After COVID-19 protocols forced the 2020 race to be moved to September and last year limited race attendance and further restricted race-related community events, Churchill officials Downs Inc. note that 2022 is like a full return to racing. as the community builds. On an April 28 conference call with investors and analysts, CDI CEO Bill Carstanjen noted those good vibes.
“The energy and excitement is back,” says Carstanjen. “Our team has completed the preparations to welcome everyone to Churchill Downs for a great week of Derby. We will start with opening night this Saturday night (May 1). with live music and Derby-inspired fashion; and of course an exciting evening of horse racing. We’ll have racing and other festivals and activities throughout the week at the track.”
Based on ticket sales and sponsorship interest, Carstanjen predicts another record-breaking year for the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) May 6 of this year and the May 7 Kentucky Derby.
Carstanjen said: “Based on pre-booked ticket sales, we expect to deliver a record Derby result. “We’ll put out a post-Derby press release later that night with all the details. We look forward to seeing everyone again next week.”
Part of Derby’s financial success was fueled by Churchill’s effort to overhaul the stands and seating options to offer different seating experiences, generally high-priced seats. than. Racetrack will announce a $44.5 million Homestretch Club project this spring and is redevelopment of a single-seat turn in an $89.2 million project.
On Wednesday night, Churchill released a statement on the final phase of a three-year redesign: a $185 million to $200 million redevelopment of the rock site slated to become available. ready for the 150th edition of the Derby in 2024. During Thursday’s call, Carstanjen provided some details on that project — noting that it will aesthetically improve the facilities but also bring in additional revenue.
BLOODHORSE EMPLOYEE: Churchill Paddock bears $185-$200 million Redesign
“The lawn is the heart of the racecourse. It’s where the horses are paraded and saddled for all to see, where the jogging horses blend together before they hear, ‘Riders up,’ and climb up. . That’s where some of our guests decide who they’ll pick to cheer and bet,” said Carstanjen. “The racetrack truly brings together the best of the competition and the Kentucky Derby spectacle to power the tracks throughout the course.
Designing Project Paddock for Churchill Downs
“The current layout of the training ground restricts traffic between the clubhouse and the stands. The roof of the training ground blocks the view of the twin towers as our customers enter Churchill Downs and the area below the towers. couples have limited and outdated amenities. We can also create breathtaking views. New seating and viewing areas that don’t exist today. And most importantly, we can recommend them again. its historic base, bringing the best of 21st-century hospitality into history and contesting America’s longest continuously held sporting and entertainment event.”
Top racetracks around the world have successfully added seats around the paddock areas. Carstanjen predicts the shoal project will be paid off in eight years.
“We will be adding more than 3,600 new, premium exclusive seats and 3,250 new stand-up-only tickets,” Carstanjen said. “We will also be upgrading more than 3,700 premium reserved seats. Due to the prime location of the new seats, we also anticipate that some sections will be sold with individual seat permits.
“We will be removing approximately 2,200 existing seats and therefore the total number of additional seats added by this project will be approximately 1,400,” adds Carstanjen. “The chairs we are replacing cost less than the new 3,600 seats due to the lack of comfort and old seating in the existing seating area. When we complete this project, we will be converting the school. race Churchill Downs.”
