LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The growth and expansion at Churchill Downs continues. Churchill Downs Incorporated revealed plans Wednesday to construct a new venue, “Victory Run,” at the track’s first turn.

What You Need To Know

Churchill Downs Incorporated announced it is building “Victory Run” at the first turn

The new seating and hospitality area will cost $280-$300 million

Construction will begin after Derby 152 and be finished by Derby 154 in 2028

Earlier this year, CDI halted construction on three projects costing almost $1 billion because of construction and tariff concerns

Victory Run will sit between the First Turn Club and the Skye Terrace. It will replace the uncovered ground-level box seats and dining area.

This is a rendering of the inside of Victory Run, Churchill Downs Incorporated’s newest venue. It will be built on the track’s first turn and is four-stories tall. (Churchill Downs Incorporated)

“We are excited to unveil the Victory Run project for Churchill Downs Racetrack,” said Bill Carstanjen, Chief Executive Officer of CDI. “This project will create a greatly improved experience for our guests in an important section of our racetrack while delivering long-term growth and value for our shareholders.”

According to a release from the track, the four-story structure will offer fans views of the finish line and include private suites, indoor and outdoor dining and covered box seats. It is replacing roughly 6,400 existing seats for approximately 7,800 guests.

Once the City of Louisville and the pertinent state agencies, including the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, greenlight the incentives, CDI projects the construction of Victory Run will begin after the 2026 Kentucky Derby, concluding by the 2028 Kentucky Derby. The track said it plans to offer an “interim upgraded seating experience” in the area with temporary seating for the 2027 Kentucky Derby.

Churchill Downs Incorporated plans to spend $280-$300 million on the project.

CDI revealed in April 2025 it would halt a series of multi-year projects valued at close to $1 billion because of “uncertainty surrounding construction costs related to tariff and trade disputes as well as current macro-economic conditions.”

The three expansions announced in Feb. 2025 were The Skye Project, Conservatory Project and the Infield General Admission Project.