Churchill Downs’ new Derby City Gaming Downtown opens in Louisville. Here's a peek inside

Churchill Downs is set to open its first gaming venue in downtown Louisville on Wednesday, marking a $90 million investment and the realization of years of planning.

Derby City Gaming Downtown, 140 S. Fourth St., has 43,000 square feet of gaming, dining, and retail in the heart of downtown.

About 4 miles north of Churchill Downs' historic racetrack, the entertainment facility will employ 150-200 people and is projected to stimulate nearly $5 million in tax revenue for the county, state and federal governments.

The facility's opening comes three months after legalized sports betting kicked off in Kentucky. As of mid-November, nearly $448 million had been wagered, all but $21 million of which was done through mobile devices, according to the state.

The Courier Journal got an advanced peak inside ahead of the Dec. 6 public opening. Here’s what to expect.

What is Derby City Gaming Downtown?

The new entertainment venue is chiefly a historical racing machine facility, the sixth such venture for Churchill Downs Inc. in Kentucky and one of 27 across 13 states.

There are nearly 500 of these machines, which resemble slot machines, spread over two floors at Derby City Gaming Downtown. The main gaming floor has the bulk of the facility’s machines, though there are some on the lower level.

When is Derby City Gaming Downtown open?

The venue opens to the public at 9 a.m. Dec. 6 — the 150-day mark until the 150th Kentucky Derby next May. Regular operating hours are 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday-Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Gift shop and eatery hours vary.

Why did Churchill Downs build a gambling facility downtown?

First announced in mid-2021, the downtown gaming facility is part of Churchill Downs Inc.'s portfolio of business ventures beyond the Kentucky Derby and horse racing.

Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Inc., said Monday he hopes the venue will "bring real energy" to downtown and help spur other investments.

"We believe firmly that Derby City Gaming Downtown will be a consequential part of reinventing downtown Louisville at a time when our city needs businesses to double down on their commitment to creating a vibrant hub of economic activity and community interaction," he said.

The downtown investment is the second gaming facility for the company, which opened Derby City Gaming and Hotel, 4520 Poplar Level Road, in 2018. That facility recently expanded to include a hotel and dining options.

How long did the project take?

Churchill Downs announced its intent to open a downtown gaming facility in September 2021.

It took some 450 construction workers to bring the project to the finish line. Designed by Westar Architectural Group/Nevada Inc. and built by Messer Construction, the facility is the former home of a U.S. Bank location. Work to convert the downtown bank into the gaming facility lasted nearly two years.

Is there more than just gaming at the new venue?

There are three places to dine and drink at the new facility. Though differently themed, they share the same menu.

The First Turn Sports Bar and Stage, on the main level just off the gaming floor, is the largest of three spaces. This sports bar is surrounded by large TVs and is the location of the site’s race and sports book for sports and simulcast wagering. The space is also expected to host live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.

On the lower level, Fascinator Wine Bar and Trophy Bar Bourbon and Cigars each feature individual seating areas and are connected by a shared bar. The wine bar leans into a light color palate with lush greenery and floral and equine touches while the trophy bar emphasizes leather furniture, dark woods and bourbon and cigar displays.

A gift shop, the only space open to those under age 21, is situated just off Market Street.

What are some unique features of the facility?

Perhaps the most eye-catching of the building's features can be seen from the street. A massive, bright video board that wraps the corner of the building at Fourth and Market streets uses forced perspective to generate 3-D images without the use of 3-D glasses.

There are plenty of nods to Churchill Downs' signature event, The Kentucky Derby, and to its live horse racing roots throughout the venue, including fresh roses, horseshoe motifs, and artwork featuring iconic images of the Churchill Downs racetrack.

Where can visitors park?

There are 130 parking spaces available in the parking garage connected to the venue. Metered street parking, as well as other parking garages, are plentiful in the area downtown.

Is smoking allowed in the facility?

Smoking is allowed in two designated spaces on the lower level. One space is a gaming-focused, ventilated room. It’s noticeably cooler in this space, though the room is outfitted with heating lamps overhead. Ashtrays sit atop the historical racing machines and a cigarette vending machine is tucked along the wall.

Just off the bourbon and cigar bar is a ventilated room in which smoking is allowed. Much like the connected yet differently themed bar spaces, this smoking room

Mirroring the connected yet differently themed bar space, this smoking area is thematically divided between a floral, greenery-heavy wine bar side and a brick and leather-focused bourbon bar side.

Note: If you or someone you know has a gambling addiction, you can call the Kentucky helpline at 270-689-1069 or the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 800-522-4700. Chat with someone online at ncpgambling.org/chat. 

Growth & development reporter Matthew Glowicki can be reached at [email protected], 502-582-4000 or on Twitter @mattglo.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Derby City Gaming Downtown opens in Louisville ahead of Kentucky Derby