LOUISVILLE, Ky. (LEX 18)– Churchill Downs is sporting a new look for Kentucky Derby 145.
“It just looks classy, it’s really spiced up the place,” said Darren Rogers with Churchill Downs.
The infield gate near Central Avenue and South Fourth Steet is where you’ll see the most notable changes. About 100,000 people buy general admission tickets, and while guests can enter at any gate, the addition of 24 new turnstiles should help people get in and out of the Downs much easier.
“Nobody likes to wait in lines when they are coming to an event, no one likes to wait in lines when they exit,” said Rogers.
The new infield gate came with a price tag of $3 million, part of the more than $250 million Churchill has spent on renovations over the past decade.
Last year, construction around the track led to parking changes and pedestrian bridges. This year, while the parking is similar, the pedestrian bridges are gone.
Another big change this year is the starting gate rooftop lounge. It’s rumored to give a 360 view of the city as well as a great view overlooking the top of the homestretch. It will be revealed later this week.
