Churchill Downs Lowers 'Happy Hour' Prices, Adds Beverage Stations, Boosts Staff For 'Downs After Dark' II

Jun 22, 2009 By John Asher

After a successful launch of night racing with last Friday’s historic “Downs After Dark” debut, Churchill Downs is offering fans who were frustrated by lines at beverage stations during the night racing debut lower drink prices and significant increases in both drink stations and staff for the track’s second night racing program on Friday, June 26.

    Churchill Downs is promising cheap beer, short lines and great racing to fans who return to the historic home of the Kentucky Derby for the second ‘Downs After Dark” night racing program.  Beer prices during extended “Friday Happy Hours” have been lowered to $1 and Churchill Downs will double its number of beverage stations and triple its staff members at those stations throughout the track to ensure that night racing fans will obtain their drinks quickly and at a great price.

    The track will also have roving beer vendors moving through the crowd during Friday’s second night racing card beneath the Twin Spires.

     “Friday Happy Hours” are scheduled from 4-8 p.m. (all times EDT) and the first of 11 races in the second “Downs After Dark” night racing program is set for 6 p.m.  The $1 beer prices during “Friday Happy Hours” will be available throughout the Paddock Garden.  Also, as in last week’s night racing debut, a DJ will provide music during “Happy Hours” and throughout the evening, which will conclude after the final race, which is scheduled for 11:11 p.m.

    “More than 28,000 turned out for the debut of night racing at Churchill Downs and the evening was a great success on most every level, but our track fell short in one important area of guest service, our fans have spoken to us about their disappointment and we have listened,” said Bill Carstanjen, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated.  “Last Friday was a special and historic night at Churchill Downs and we hope that every fan that shared the evening with us will always carry wonderful memories of the evening.  But many fans were clearly unhappy with the unacceptable level of service offered in beer lines throughout the track.  We share their frustration, apologize for the experience and vow it will not happen again.  We’re hoping all fans who were with us for the debut of night racing under the Twin Spires will be back with us again this Friday and on Thursday, July 2 and give us a chance to make racing under the lights at Churchill Downs truly special for everyone.”

    General admission for night racing at Churchill Downs on Friday, June 26 and Thursday, July 2 is $6 ($1 for Twin Spires Club Members and seniors over 60, free for children 12 and under).  

    Seating for special “Date Night” dining on Millionaires Row 4 & 6 is available for Friday, June 26 and Thursday, July 2, but reserved seats are being filled quickly for both nights.  “Date Night” packages for the June 26 and July 2 sessions of “Downs After Dark” racing are $39.95 and can be made by calling (502) 636-4400.