Churchill Downs to Debut 'Infield Club' for 2009 Kentucky Derby, Oaks

Nov 26, 2008 CDI Communications

Churchill Downs is introducing an exclusive new infield experience called the “Infield Club” for the 135th runnings of the Kentucky Derby and Oaks, allowing fans the opportunity to enjoy the exuberant party atmosphere of the infield with an upgraded twist.  Kentucky Derby 135 takes place on May 2, 2009, while Kentucky Oaks 135 will be run on Friday, May 1, 2009.

 “We are always looking for new and innovative ways to enhance the Kentucky Derby and Oaks experience for our customers,” said Dave Tompkins, senior vice president of Churchill Downs Incorporated.  “There’s a great deal of demand for unique hospitality areas at the Derby and Oaks, and the Infield Club is the perfect way to offer an exciting, comfortable, and affordable experience for our guests.  It will offer the amenities and atmosphere of a sports bar in the midst of one of our country’s largest sporting and social events.”

Debuting in 2009, the Infield Club will be a temporary facility constructed in a secured area in the center of the infield for Derby weekend.  The Club’s amenities will be a first for the infield area, including a giant horseshoe-shaped bar, private mutuel windows and self-serve betting machines, a JumboTron television, sports bar-style food offerings, a disc jockey, limited shaded seating areas available on a first-come, first-served basis, and upgraded restroom facilities.

Each ticket purchase includes all-day track admission and Infield Club access.  Through an introductory offer, tickets are currently available at a cost of $150 per person for Kentucky Derby Day, and $50 per person for Kentucky Oaks Day.  Guests planning to attend both the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby can save money by purchasing a two-day ticket package to the Infield Club for $175.  Prices are subject to change after Dec. 31, 2008.

Guests visiting Churchill Downs over the extended Thanksgiving weekend will have the opportunity to place advance orders for tickets to the Infield Club.  Flyers and ticket order forms will be available at a tent located in the paddock area from Nov. 27-29.  Also, beginning on Thursday, Nov. 27, tickets may be ordered online at www.kentuckyderby.com/infieldclub.  Availability is limited and tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875.  Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2009. The track’s 2008 Fall Meet runs from October 26 through November 29. Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on November 5 and 6, 2010.  Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.