Keeneland set to debut new interior paddock spaces during spring meet
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Keeneland will debut the interior hospitality spaces in its new paddock building during its upcoming spring meet in April.
Construction began in January 2024 on Keeneland’s new paddock and walking ring, adjacent paddock building, and administrative building. These $93 million in capital improvements marked the largest project undertaken by Keeneland since it opened for racing in 1936. It was also the first major construction project at the track since the Keeneland Library was built in 2002.
The new facilities will be in place not only for the upcoming meet, but prior to Keeneland hosting the Breeders’ Cup this fall. The new paddock building now encompasses the redesigned main entrance to the track.
“The paddock building represents an investment in the Thoroughbred industry and furthers Keeneland’s mission to support and grow the sport,” Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin said in a release. “It speaks to our confidence in racing’s future while creating new, meaningful ways to engage guests year-round. These new venues will enrich the experience for racing fans, sales customers, and special event guests and allow us to further showcase the very best of Keeneland’s world-renowned hospitality.”
Keeneland debuted its new paddock and walking-ring areas during the fall race meet in October. The new paddock features repositioned saddling stalls, allowing for improved visibility for patrons, as well as improved safety for horses and horsemen with better spacing and room to maneuver.
New jockey quarters were constructed beneath the paddock building. The former walking ring, adjacent to the paddock, has now become the winner’s circle for stakes trophy presentations, which were formerly held on the turf course.
The new building alongside the paddock and presentation area, a three-story structure that blends well with Keeneland’s existing buildings, will now open to offer more than 1,000 new ticketed experiences, including sit-down dining, new bar concepts, and a rooftop experience. The building is also designed for year-round use during Keeneland’s sales and private events.
Lexington-based designer Matthew Carter led the interior design process on the new spaces, including the 1936 Room, which jockeys will pass through en route from their quarters to the paddock before each race; the Sycamore Room; the Dogwood Room; the Rooftop; and the Ivy Room, a more intimate space designed for private gatherings, which are not included in public ticketed offerings.
Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Feb. 17, for the spring meet, which runs from Friday, April 3, through Friday, April 24. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Easter Sunday, April 5, will be dark. Keeneland previously announced that the spring meet will card 19 stakes, highlighted by major preps for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, offering a season-record $9.55 million in purses.
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