Churchill Downs Announces Six 2014 Downs After Dark Racing Dates

Adding to the thrill and excitement of live night racing this year will be the addition of the huge new Churchill Downs video board that will provide spectacular live race coverage, unique entertainment programming and live views of events and activities taking place throughout the track. Unveiled in April, the big board is 171-ft long and almost nine stories tall and with over nine million lines of resolution and 281 trillion colors blazing bright against the dark night sky, the big board promises to significantly enhance the night racing experience.

Downs After Dark will also debut the Terrace Lounge, an exclusive 21+ outdoor entertainment venue created on the Grandstand Terrace, the new 51,000-square foot addition located near Central Avenue and at the beginning of the home stretch.  The Terrace Lounge will offer a private club atmosphere with DJ entertainment and premium food and beverages for purchase, and private cabanas that include a four-hour open bar and gourmet foods specially created by Churchill Downs Executive Chef David Danielson.      

Downs After Dark offers guests several different ticketing options, starting with general admission at $10 per person, which provides access the Plaza and general public areas, as well as lower level grandstand seating.  Box seats are available on the third floor for $20 and include an official race program. Seating in Millionaires Row and the Sky Terrace is $60 per person and includes a scrumptious gourmet buffet, reserved seating and a racing program.  Access to the new Terrace Lounge is $25 person and provides access to box seating, premium food and beverage selections for sale and live DJ entertainment. The Terrace Lounge also features several exclusive VIP cabanas that include a premium gourmet buffet and open bar for a set price of $99 per person.  Each cabana holds up to 28 guests and is ideal for couples and groups of various sizes. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult for night racing.

The parking lots open at 3:00 pm and are available on the first come basis with free parking available in the Longfield Avenue lot.  Since on-site parking lots fill up quickly, a free shuttle will be provided from Papa John’s stadium to Gate 17 starting at 5:00 pm.  As usual, Churchill Downs will be open earlier in the day for simulcast wagering on the second floor of the clubhouse.  General admission is $3 per person until 4:00 pm through Gate 17.

Themes for the two other June Downs After Dark events are Summer Luau on June 20, with guests encouraged to wear casual Hawaiian-style floral prints and Rockin’ in the USA on June 27, with guests urged to wear denim and USA/Americana-themed clothing.  A For more information about Downs After Dark Presented by Stella Artois and Finlandia Vodka racing dates and other ongoing and special events, visit www.ChurchillDowns.com or call (502) 636-4400.