Plans to develop The Skye, Conservatory and Infield areas have been put on hold. Churchill Downs Incorporated said this is due to uncertainty surrounding construction costs related to tariff and trade disputes and macro-economic conditions.
The group added that it will continue to assess the economic landscape during the coming months. It will evaluate any changes to the timing and sequencing of these projects.
“The decision to pause the Skye Terrace and infield projects was a difficult one for us to make,” CEO Bill Carstanjen said. “We do not want to disappoint our fans. However, we have a responsibility to be disciplined given the recent changes in the economic environment.”
Churchill Downs Commits to Other Improvements
However, work on renovating the Finish Line Suites and The Mansion at the racetrack will continue. Churchill Downs hopes to complete these projects by April 2026.
The group will update 15 existing suites overlooking the finish line at Churchill Downs Racetrack. This will also increase total capacity to 750 guests.
Meanwhile, the Trophy Room, which is behind the Finish Line Suites, will also be renovated. In addition to increasing capacity to over 300 people, the project will see a new bar added to the room.
As for The Mansion, built in 2013, this will now be improved with updated finishes and other enhancements. Churchill Downs said this is one of the most exclusive areas at the racetrack offering an aerial view of the finish line.
Churchill Downs expects to spend between $25 million and $30 million on these new capital projects.
Long-Term Plans
“We are pleased to announce these new projects designed to significantly improve the Finish Line Suites and The Mansion which are two of our most exclusive areas of the racetrack,” Carstanjen said.
“We remain committed to growing our iconic flagship asset over the long term with projects that will provide new once-in-a lifetime experiences for our guests and deliver best-in-class shareholder returns.”
The update comes ahead of this year’s Kentucky Derby, which is hosted at the racetrack. The Kentucky Derby will take place on May 3.
