LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Changes are underway at Churchill Downs.
On Tuesday, the sign that said "149TH DERBY 2023" was officially changed to "150TH DERBY 2024". The sign is to welcome guests to this year's historic Kentucky Derby, but it's not the only change that's ready impress visitors.
The Churchill Downs Paddock has been under reconstruction for two years, and officials said it will be completed and ready for this year's historic race.
We're only 46 days away from the 150th Kentucky Derby. It's a moment fans wait for every year, and construction crews have all hands on deck to finish the job.
The Derby draws in around 150,000 guests on the first Saturday in May.
Just as the fashion and the horses have changed over time, so too has the track. But this year has seen one of the largest changes in decades with the renovations of the paddock.
"It's a hive of activity every day from 7 a.m. to 7 or 8 p.m. there's always work going on," Chris Galopin, director of construction at Churchill Downs, said.
The center of all the changes at Churchill Downs is this $200 million project that's been almost two years in the making.
Within the venue will be the Woodford Reserve Paddock Club. It will offer views into the Paddock stalls, private bar, restrooms and betting parlor.
"This paddock is arguably going to be one of the best paddocks of the world," said Darren Rogers, the spokesperson of Churchill Downs.
It's the hub for spectators to get a first glimpse of the horses before the races. Rodgers said it will offer a circular viewing aspect, state-of-the-art video boards and audio experience.
You can also now get a taste of history right under the twin spires.
"We demoed out a lot of those structures, exposed the original brick, exposed the historic structure made the spires a feature," Galopin said. "When you walk through the front gate that's the first thing you see now."
The original jockey grand stand was hidden under additions to the venue over the years and will now serve as a new viewing deck.
"A main focus on the design of this project was really opening that back up and exposing some of that character that had been been covered up in the past," Galopin said.
Galopin said his crews are now in the homestretch on completing this project.
"I'm extremely excited," Galopin said. "I'm probably going to be standing right inside the front gate just watching everyone's face when they come in."
The Paddock project will be turned over to Churchill Downs by April 7 where they will take over and add televisions, kitchen equipment and more.
If you're interested in getting involved with the Derby, Churchill Downs is hiring. A job fair will be held on Saturday, March 23.
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