Churchill Downs plans gaming venue in downtown Louisville

The company has announced plans for the casino-style facility in Kentucky.

US.- A day after announcing it was selling its Arlington Park racetrack in Illinois to the Chicago Bears, Churchill Downs has revealed plans to build a venue named Derby City Gaming Downtown in downtown Louisville. 

The 43,000-square-foot venue, projected to open in early 2023, will be about 5 miles from the historic racetrack where the first leg of the Triple Crown is run. Construction will begin later this year, according to the company.

The venue will open with 500 historical horse racing machines, more than 200 onsite parking spaces and a “fresh-air gaming area.” The project includes a sports bar with a live entertainment stage, a “bourbon library” and an “elegant wine and charcuterie lounge,” in addition to a Kentucky Derby retail store.

Bill Carstanjen, Churchill Downs CEO, said the new entertainment facility would benefit the entire community and would generate $10m – $12m per year in additional purse money for races at Churchill Downs.

“It is important that Louisville is a city that is thriving – a great place to live, work and visit – and we are committed to helping create economic vibrancy for every area of our community,” said Carstanjen.

See also: Churchill Downs sells Arlington Racecourse to Chicago Bears