In Louisville, Kentucky, Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) celebrated a momentous occasion with the grand inauguration of Derby City Gaming Downtown. This new facility, which cost $90 million to build, is the sixth historical racing machine (HRM) entertainment hub in the state of CDI. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and a $40,000 contribution to The Hope Buss and Norton Healthcare Foundation were among the public celebrations.

Derby City Gaming Downtown is the first physical gambling facility in Louisville, and it is situated at 140 South Fourth Street. The Kentucky Derby-themed establishment, spanning two floors and 43,000 square feet, has 500 cutting-edge HRMs on its gaming floor, which offers sports betting and vintage racing games.

Distinctive Features and Offerings

Trophy Bar Bourbon & Cigars, Fascinator Wine Bar, and First Turn Sports Bar & Stage, which houses the racetrack and sportsbook, are the three unique food and beverage establishments that DCG Downtown offers. The resort features 130 guest parking spots on-site, and its façade features the first 3D video board visible to the unaided eye in the region. On the main floor is a dedicated gift shop for the Kentucky Derby.

400 construction jobs were created during DCG Downtown’s development, and over 150 permanent employment are anticipated. In their partnership with Messer Construction, Churchill Downs placed a strong emphasis on community involvement, economic opportunity, and supplier diversity. A total of $14 million of the funding went toward supporting subcontracting services run by women, minorities, and veterans.

Andy Beshear, the governor of Kentucky, praised Churchill Downs for its dedication to advancement and emphasized the company’s importance in the history and culture of the state. The CEO of CDI, Bill Carstanjen, expressed his satisfaction in the initiative and emphasized its benefits for downtown regeneration and the Kentucky horse industry.

Commencing concurrently with the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby is DCG Downtown. Churchill Downs Racetrack unveiled the official Kentucky Derby 150 Mint Julep Glass and Kentucky Oaks 150 Lily Glass to mark this significant occasion. In addition, fans are encouraged to submit their Derby recollections on social media through the #MyDerbyMemory campaign for a chance to win tickets to the historic 150th Kentucky Derby on May 4, 2024.