Kentucky Derby, Oaks Infield Club Returns With Several Enhancements

Feb 04, 2010 Darren Rogers

Churchill Downs’ exclusive Infield Club, which offered a new guest experience for fans of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks in 2009, will return for this year’s renewals with several venue enhancements, including the creation of a new VIP Lounge plus additional seating, more and larger tented areas, additional jumbo televisions and bar locations.

“We’re constantly looking for new and innovative ways to enhance the Derby and Oaks experience,” Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery said. “The Infield Club and its comfortable, sports-bar atmosphere was a popular new addition in 2009 as the area sold out, proving there is exceptional demand for unique Derby and Oaks hospitality areas. After listening to customer feedback, we’ve made a number of Infield Club enhancements and tailored our venue design to best create added comfort and take the overall experience to new levels.”

Much like its 2009 debut, the Infield Club will be a temporary outdoor hospitality area totaling 93,000 square feet, located in the center of the world-famous Churchill Downs infield. The private space, secured by decorative eight-foot lattice, will allow fans of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks the opportunity to enjoy the exuberant party atmosphere of the infield in an exclusive setting.

The internal design of this year’s all-new Infield Club has been reconfigured and enhanced by Churchill Downs and M Scenic Group Studios. In addition to its variety of staffed betting windows, self-serve betting machines, food concession booths and executive restroom facilities, the Infield Club’s 2010 added amenities will include:

§    A new Infield Club VIP Lounge. The VIP Lounge will be a reserved-seating area that features cocktail service, half-priced menu items, four elevated jumbo television screens, plasma monitors located at every table station, eight private betting windows and executive restrooms;
§    One seat for every ticket sold. The number of tickets sold will match the number of seats available compared to last year when seating was only available to approximately 20 percent of the customers who purchased access to the Infield Club. First-come, first-served seating options will include large and cabaret tables with chairs, high-top tables with barstools, stadium-style seating, bleachers and picnic tables;
§    32,000-square feet of tented areas. The additional tented structures within the Infield Club will be a 50 percent increase in covered area from 2009;
§    12 jumbo television screens with enhanced resolution and surround-sound audio. Customers will be able to watch the day’s racing action from a dozen elevated jumbo televisions with enhanced resolution, view points and surround-sound audio of track commentary, race calls and music. In 2009, there were only two jumbo televisions; and
§    Five bar locations. Patrons won’t have to travel far for mint juleps and other beverages with five full-service convenient bar locations through the complex.

    Tickets to the Infield Club are currently on sale at Churchill Downs’ new online box office http://tickets.churchilldowns.com. The tickets have been bundled to include all-day admission for both the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands on Saturday, May 1, and the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, April 30. Two-day general admission is $250 per person, while the Infield Club VIP Lounge package, which includes admission, a reserved seat, programs on both days and a special commemorative gift, costs $375 per person.

    Availability is limited and ticket packages will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Tickets must be purchased with a Visa credit or debit card. Minimal ticket processing charges will apply with an online purchase.

    Customers should be aware that the Infield Club does not offer a direct view of the racetrack. Food and beverage are not included in Infield Club ticket package prices. Lawn chairs and coolers are not permitted in the Infield Club.

    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 host the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands on Saturday, May 1 and the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, April 30. The track will conduct its 2010 Spring Meet from Saturday, April 24 through Sunday, July 4. Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on Nov. 5 and 6, 2010. Churchill Downs tickets are available at tickets.churchilldowns.com or by calling (502) 636-4400. Additional information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

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