Churchill Downs Dropping Nearly a Billion on Expansion [PICS]

We recently learned that Kentucky Kingdom has earmarked $25 million for expansion over the next couple of seasons. It's first "shot across the bow"--a new $11 million family-oriented section of the popular Louisville park--will make its debut in May of 2025.

Kentucky Exposition Center Expansion

Last summer, ground was broken on a Kentucky Exposition Center expansion project (also in Louisville) that will cost upwards of $400 million. A new 350,000 square foot facility is part of the plan.

Mountain Parkway Expansion

And then there's the work being done on a vital stretch of Kentucky highway that would lengthen and expand the Mountain Parkway, making the 45-mile four-lane more easily accessible. It would also be a boon to travel into Bluegrass Appalachia. (I've driven it; it's a worthy expense.)

Expansion is the name of the game in the Commonwealth, and one of its most iconic landmarks is getting IN on that game.

Churchill Downs Expansion

Encouraged (that may be an understatement) by the more than $430 million dollar impact of the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs Incorporated will be focusing $920 million into seating upgrades, luxurious hospitality suites, and much-needed infrastructural improvements.

CDI will roll out these renovations--including a Grandstand upgrade and a marked transformation of the track's legendary infield--over a four-year period, from 2025 through 2028. Initial phases should be ready by spring of 2027 with the completion of the project expected by the 154th Kentucky Derby on May 6th, 2028. Look for phase one--a Pagoda Club and Terrace overlooking the Grandstand and the Winner's Circle--to be unveiled in 2026.