LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Armed with a construction hat and a tour guide, Athleticism took a private tour of the new Churchill Downs paddock in February, to get a first look at the redesigned space that racing fans will initially enjoy This weekend. It is, in a word, monstrous. The once 5,000 square foot space has been expanded to 12,000 people, with more seating and a balcony view, to boot.
Costing an estimated $200 million and completed within a year, the renovation is a much-needed reboot of a popular place to gather on race day – and especially the first Saturday in May. On Kentucky Derby day, the old paddock was always filled with attendees who were there to watch the races on the big boards, watch the horses in the stalls, or just people watch. It was difficult to maneuver and there were often so many people that it was difficult to see the real horses.
Now the whole space is reversed. Where once spectators walked through the gates and saw the back of the paddock, they are now greeted by a breathtaking view of the iconic twin spiers, the paddock – dropped seven feet below – stretched out before them. Bordered by a floor with 3,200 standing places, it is also topped by a large balcony, allowing it to accommodate more than double the number of spectators.
Granted, a lot of the space is reserved for people who have a lot of money to spend. Two exclusive clubs – the SI Club and the Woodford Reserve Paddock Club – line the edge of the paddock, allowing those who can afford the entry price to not only go belly up at the bar, but also grab a table near ‘a window which also serves as a rear window. wall of horse stalls. The glass, it should be noted, is one-sided; people can see horses, but easily frightened animals cannot see people looking at them.
There are more upscale areas – the Spiers Terrace and Suites offers views of both the paddock and the track just below the actual Spiers – and there’s even a hidden speakeasy, which offers double exclusivity top secret.
What’s impressive, but not surprising, is that the redesign retained the essence of the track. In some demolished areas, workers reused the original building materials. In the presidential corridor, connecting the paddock to the stand, the old brick has been exposed.
In other words, the history of the place remains.
(Photos by Dana O’Neil)