(Artist renderings of the new first turn at Churchill Downs / Photos Courtesy of Churchill Downs)

From the Churchill Downs Media Team:

Churchill Downs Racetrack will celebrate a major milestone for the construction of its new First Turn Club and First Turn Reserved Seating permanent structure with a “Topping Off Ceremony” for the placement of the final steel beam on Friday at 10 a.m. ET. Track officials and other VIPs will join general contractor Calhoun Construction for the celebration.

Set to open for the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 6, the new First Turn Club and First Turn Reserved Seating structure – a $90 million capital investment – will introduce more than 7,300 permanent all-inclusive seats in a unique location with exclusive views of the Kentucky Derby walkover and the picturesque first turn framed by the historic Twin Spires. It replaces what was formerly known as the vineyard vines Grandstand and Section 110, which previously accommodated 3,400 temporary Oaks and Derby seats.

The First Turn Club, a modern dining experience located on the first floor, will be strictly reserved for the more than 2,000 indoor premium dining guests. Amenities include a 50,000-square foot climate-controlled hospitality venue with dining tables for eight or 10 guests complete with wagering windows, a massive wraparound video board, upscale Chef’s Table offerings and dedicated bars and restrooms to the space. First Turn Club guests will have exclusive access to watch the races from a descending patio with tiered viewing rails adjacent to the track via wall-to-wall glass doors in the expansive dining room.

The First Turn Reserved Seating on the second and third floors features more than 5,300 covered and padded stadium seats, a covered open-air concession area and two concourses that create a convenient place for socializing with an outdoor racetrack view.

“We are thrilled to be expanding our permanent seating options again in 2023,” said Sarah Contardo, Vice President of Sales and Strategy for Churchill Downs Racetrack. “The new First Turn location offers spectacular views of the track, the historic Twin Spires and the Kentucky Derby walkover by the horses and connections. We have ensured that all amenities needed to have an enjoyable, comfortable and memorable experience are included.”

Two-day Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks all-inclusive tickets for the First Turn Club premium dining area start at $2,610 per seat, while First Turn Reserved Seating starts at $1,261 per seat. Interested guests may contact the Churchill Downs Premium Seating Department via email at [email protected] or by calling (502) 636-4447. A Premium Seating Concierge is available to discuss Personal Seat Licenses online athttps://www.kentuckyderby.com/orphans/premium-seating-concierge-inquiry.