Churchill Downs opened the Derby City Gaming Downtown and made Louisville, Kentucky, a popular destination for horse racing and betting fans. The Derby was opened exactly 150 days prior to the legendary 150th Kentucky Derby.

New venue to revive the downtown:

The new $90 million venue is located downtown, and it is an annex of the already popular Twin Spires racetrack. The racetrack will feature historical horse racing betting machines, several bars, and various entertainment options.

Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, a President and CEO of Greater Louisville Inc., the metro area chamber of commerce, said: “The opening of Derby City Gaming Downtown shows that organizations are doubling down and affirming their commitment to growing in our region. It should make our entire community optimistic about the future of our downtown and the future of our regional economy.”

Derby City Gaming and Hotel opened its hotel piece in June, and the gaming facility, which was opened in 2018, was expanded to include the luxury hotel and various amenities.

Churchill Downs Inc. decided to invest in downtown Louisville after the expansion of the venue and everything that followed the COVID-19 pandemic. 

William “Bill” Carstanjen said that this project was his personal favorite because it affects the community and helps where the help is needed. The goal is, according to him, to make Louisville a special place.

Derby City Gaming Downtown is located across 43.000 square feet. The property includes 500 Historical Racing Machines. The visitors are able to enjoy various gaming options, as well as a gift shop and three dining options, all of them related to the legendary Kentucky Derby: First Turn Sports Bar & Stage, Trophy Bar Bourbon & Cigars, and Fascinator Wine Bar.

Beneficial for the community:

The local community will greatly benefit from this since it will provide between 150 and 200 people with jobs. 

The facility is near the Kentucky International Convention Center, as well as big hotels in the city, various museums, bourbonism, as well as other amenities that draw the attention of tourists. 

The atmosphere, which is filled with energy and is full of fun and entertainment, will create a positive environment in this part of the city, which is an important step towards its revitalization.

One of the main sources of revenue for the city will be historical horse racing machines. From July to September, they brought in $2.3 billion, while the horse racing earned only $34 million.

According to Courier Journal, Thomas Lambert, an economist and assistant professor of economics and equine industry at the University of Louisville, reveals his expectations that the facility will bring about $28.6 million a year in revenue to the city.

The facility is open from Sunday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m.