Private Event Space & Rentals in Louisville

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A Private Event Space in the Heart of Louisville

Make your day event iconic and celebrate with your guests at Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby. We offer a stunning setting for special events under the iconic Twin Spires. Louisville’s must-visit venue will transform your event into an experience your guests will never forget.

PLAN YOUR EVENT

From venue management to anticipating day-of needs, we strive to make this the event of a lifetime. Our event checklist, along with skills in timeline and layout development, allow us to prepare our team and exceed your expectations.

Planning & Packages

At Churchill Downs, our knowledgeable and professional staff know the right questions to ask to ensure you enjoy being a guest at your own event. From venue management, to anticipating day-of needs, we strive to make this the event of a lifetime. Our event checklist, along with skills in timeline and layout development, allow us to prepare our team and exceed your expectations

Churchill Downs Event Guide

EVENT SPACES

Check an item off your guests' bucket lists at Louisville's must-visit venue. Our stunning spaces alongside the iconic Twin Spires will transform your event into an experience your guests will never forget.

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In-House Catering & Bar

The options are endless at this truly unique venue your guests will never forget. Catering and bar package options are full service can all be customized to your liking and budget.

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Popular Event Rental Spaces

Track Takeover

CAPACITY

Reception: 5,000+

ABOUT THE SPACE

Take over the track and make Churchill Downs exclusively yours. Perfect for large-scale gatherings or high-impact celebrations, a Track Takeover offers full-venue buyout opportunities with access to multiple spaces across the property. Customize each area to deliver distinct experiences: from elevated hospitality offerings to luxury lounging and interactive trackside experiences, all designed to captivate your guests at every turn.

Paddock Lawn

CAPACITY

Reception: 960

ABOUT THE SPACE

At the heart of Churchill Downs, the Paddock Lawn is an iconic green space where the prestige, tradition, and pageantry of Thoroughbred racing come to life. Framed by elegant architecture and nestled beneath the historic Twin Spires, this open-air setting offers an unforgettable backdrop for high-end gatherings and exclusive celebrations making it the most storied setting on the property.

INCLUSIONS

As-is

PERFECT FOR

Cocktail receptions
Wedding ceremonies
Social events

Paddock Terrace

CAPACITY

Seated: 1,176
Reception: 3,000

ABOUT THE SPACE

Positioned between the iconic Twin Spires, the Paddock Terrace offers a refined, open-air setting with unmatched views of the Paddock. Accented by striking white pergolas and elegant architectural details, this second-level venue offers a stylish setting that matches the unmistakable energy of the racetrack.

INCLUSIONS

Add outdoor cocktail tables or dining tables for up to 8 or 10 guests per table

PERFECT FOR

Conference receptions
Wedding ceremonies
Band performances

Ford First Turn Club

CAPACITY

Seated: 1,922
Reception: 3,000

ABOUT THE SPACE

The Ford First Turn Club offers an exclusive, elevated experience with expansive indoor views of the iconic racetrack. This premier indoor club features a railside outdoor terrace and a stylish wraparound indoor video board.

INCLUSIONS

Cocktail tables for reception
Indoor dining tables for up to 8 or 10 guests per table
Imagery on LED jumbotron

PERFECT FOR

Large-scale corporate receptions
Wedding receptions
Galas or seated dinners
Breakfasts or luncheons

Sports Illustrated's Club SI

CAPACITY

Seated: 484

ABOUT THE SPACE

Club SI by Sports Illustrated provides a luxurious, equestrian-themed experience coupled with views directly into the Paddock stalls and Paddock Runway.

INCLUSIONS

Indoor dining tables accommodating 4, 6, or 8 guests per table
As-is

PERFECT FOR

Seated dinners
Luncheons
Corporate receptions

Millionaires Row

CAPACITY

Seated: 840
Cocktail reception: 1,050
Theater: 784
Custom sets available upon request

ABOUT THE SPACE

Millionaires Row serves as the most revered dining room at Churchill Downs, positioned just past the finish line on the 4th floor of the Clubhouse.

INCLUSIONS

Round tables of 8
Tiered, covered outdoor balcony for track viewing

PERFECT FOR

Large-scale meetings
Galas
Luncheons
Wedding receptions

Stakes Room

CAPACITY

Seated: 564
Reception: 580
Private areas can be tailored to different group sizes and event styles with partitions

ABOUT THE SPACE

Located on the 4th floor of the Clubhouse beside the iconic Twin Spires, Stakes Room features equestrian touches including a track-shaped bar named a¥er 1915 Derby winner, Regret. Balcony access with Paddock views available.

INCLUSIONS

Dining table seating accommodates 2, 4, 6 or 8 guests
As-is

PERFECT FOR

Corporate dinners
Breakfasts
Luncheons

Homestretch Club

CAPACITY

Seated: 200
Reception: 3,000

ABOUT THE SP ACE

The Homestretch Club is located below the Jockey Club and offers an unparalleled experience of Churchill Downs, including rail-side access.

INCLUSIONS

Interior Club: Cocktail tables with the ability to add 8-top rounds
Outdoor Terrace: Tables for 6 guests
Private Club Lounges: For 8 to 12 guests
Rail Lounges: For up to 10 guests

PERFECT FOR

Social events
Corporate receptions
Meetings
Banquets

Triple Crown Room

CAPACITY

Reception: 260
Cocktail: 500
Theater: 462
Custom sets available upon request

ABOUT THE SPACE

Located on the 5th floor Jockey Club, this semi-private dining area offers a large viewing screen, views of the downtown Louisville skyline and access to an outdoor balcony overlooking the Twin Spires and track.

INCLUSIONS

Indoor dining tables for 8 or 10 guests

PERFECT FOR

Meetings
Corporate receptions
Banquets
Wedding receptions

Oaks & Derby Rooms

CAPACITY

Seated: 90
Reception: 100
Theater: 96
Classroom: 42

ABOUT THE SPACE

Located on the 4th floor Jockey Club, these twin dining rooms offer an intimate and private experience.

INCLUSIONS

Indoor tables for 10 guests

PERFECT FOR

Small-scale corporate meetings
Family gatherings

Grand Foyer

CAPACITY

Reception: 175

ABOUT THE SPACE

Located on the 4th floor of the Jockey Club, this indoor-outdoor space offers sweeping views of both the Paddock and Racetrack. The open-air balcony is a guest favorite, offering one of the most picturesque and up-close vantage points of the iconic Twin Spires.

INCLUSIONS

Indoor high-top tables for 8 guests
Outdoor table seating
Various soft seating options

PERFECT FOR

Cocktail receptions
Wedding ceremonies
Social events

Starting Gate Dining Room

CAPACITY

Seated: 192
Reception: 350
Theater: 275
Classroom: 90

ABOUT THE SPACE

Located on the 4th, 5th and 6th floor of the Starting Gate Building, these triplet dining rooms have a fresh, contemporary feel with dual views of the track and downtown skyline.

INCLUSIONS

Indoor dining tables for 8 guests
Suites overlooking the track

PERFECT FOR

Banquets
Corporate receptions
Meetings

Starting Gate Rooftop Garden

CAPACITY

Reception: 500
Theatre: 400
Banquet: 392

ABOUT THE SPACE

Located on top of the Starting Gate Building, this open-air space features a 360° view of the track and downtown Louisville, two bars and a viewing terrace.

INCLUSIONS

Outdoor 8-top tables
Cocktail tables

PERFECT FOR

Corporate receptions
Wedding ceremonies
Social events

Finish Line Balcony

CAPACITY

Seated: 160
Reception: 300

ABOUT THE SPACE

Located on the 5th floor near the finish line, this exclusive wrap-around terrace offers a unique dual perspective of both the Paddock and racetrack.

INCLUSIONS

Outdoor tables for up to 4 or 6 guests per table

PERFECT FOR

Social events
Cocktail receptions

Matt Winn's

CAPACITY

Seated: 310

ABOUT THE SPACE

Located on the 6th floor of the Clubhouse just beyond the finish line, this space offers versatile seating options creating a comfortable and flexible environment for any gathering.

INCLUSIONS

Main dining room: Includes tables and booths for parties of 2, 4, 6 and 8
Bar area: Features cocktail tables for 2 and booths for 4
Carriage Rooms: Provide soft seating lounges for groups of 8
Veranda: Offers tables that each seat 6
As-is

PERFECT FOR

High-end dinners and banquets

The Mansion

CAPACITY

Reception: 298

ABOUT THE SPACE

The Mansion is an exclusive destination offering unparalleled elegance and comfort.

INCLUSIONS

20 semi-private soft seating lounges designed for groups of 8 to 12 guests across distinct spaces such as the Parlor, the Living Room, the Dining Room and the Library
As-is

PERFECT FOR

VIP social events
High-end receptions

Woodford Reserve Paddock Club

CAPACITY

Seated: 370

ABOUT THE SPACE

Paddock-level private dining club, with direct views into the Paddock runway and Paddock stalls offering exclusive access into the Paddock via private tunnel.

INCLUSIONS

Indoor dining tables with ability to accommodate groups of 2, 4, 6 or 8 guests
As-is

PERFECT FOR

VIP dinners
Social events

Spires Terrace & Suites

CAPACITY

Reception: 200

ABOUT THE SPACE

With its unique position under the iconic Twin Spires, the Spires Terrace & Suites offers a dual view of the racetrack and Paddock area with the turn of a head.

INCLUSIONS

Outdoor covered dining tables accommodating 4 guests per table
Semi-private suites designed to host up to 18 guests per suite
As-is

PERFECT FOR

VIP dinners
Cocktail receptions

Directors Room

CAPACITY

Reception: 75
Plated: 40
U-Shape: 24

ABOUT THE SPACE

Located within the prestigious Turf Club, the Directors Room is the VIP entertaining space of the Track President. The spaces offers a functional yet sophisticated space for hosting.

PERFECT FOR

High-end client or executive meetings
Small-scale corporate reception

Event Rental Spaces by Capacity

Space	Seated	Reception Capacity	Sq. Footage	Best For	Available Enhancements
Track Takeover	Contact for details	5,000+	Contact for details	Large-scale gatherings, full-venue buyouts and high-impact celebrations	Multiple spaces, elevated hospitality, luxury lounges and interactive trackside experiences
Paddock Lawn	Contact for details	960	Contact for details	Cocktail receptions, wedding ceremonies and social events	Event enhancements available; contact the Special Events team for options
Paddock Terrace	1,176	3,000	Contact for details	Conference receptions, wedding ceremonies and band performances	Outdoor cocktail tables or dining tables for up to 8 or 10 guests per table
First Turn Club	1,922	3,000	Contact for details	Large-scale corporate receptions, wedding receptions, galas, seated dinners, breakfasts and luncheons	Railside outdoor terrace, wraparound indoor video board and imagery on LED jumbotron
Club SI by Sports Illustrated	484	Contact for details	Contact for details	Seated dinners, luncheons and corporate receptions	Paddock stall and Paddock Runway views; event enhancements available
Millionaires Row	840	1,050 cocktail	Contact for details	Large-scale meetings, galas, luncheons and wedding receptions	Tiered, covered outdoor balcony for track viewing
Stakes Room	564	580	Contact for details	Corporate dinners, breakfasts and luncheons	Flexible partitions and available balcony access with Paddock views
Homestretch Club	200	3,000	Contact for details	Social events, corporate receptions, meetings and banquets	Railside access, outdoor terrace, private club lounges and rail lounges
Triple Crown Room	Contact for details	260 reception / 500 cocktail	Contact for details	Meetings, corporate receptions, banquets and wedding receptions	Large viewing screen, outdoor balcony, Twin Spires and track views
Oaks & Derby Rooms	90	100	Contact for details	Small-scale corporate meetings and family gatherings	Private setting with indoor tables for 10 guests
Grand Foyer	Contact for details	175	Contact for details	Cocktail receptions, wedding ceremonies and social events	Open-air balcony, Twin Spires views, soft seating and indoor-outdoor entertaining
Starting Gate Dining Room	192	350	Contact for details	Banquets, corporate receptions and meetings	Track and downtown skyline views plus suites overlooking the track
Starting Gate Rooftop Garden	392 banquet	500	Contact for details	Corporate receptions, wedding ceremonies and social events	360-degree track and downtown Louisville views, two bars and viewing terrace
Finish Line Balcony	160	300	Contact for details	Social events and cocktail receptions	Exclusive wraparound terrace with Paddock and racetrack views
Matt Winn's	310	Contact for details	Contact for details	High-end dinners and banquets	Bar area, Carriage Room lounges and veranda seating
The Mansion	Contact for details	298	Contact for details	VIP social events and high-end receptions	20 semi-private lounges across the Parlor, Living Room, Dining Room and Library
Woodford Reserve Paddock Club	370	Contact for details	Contact for details	VIP dinners and social events	Direct Paddock Runway and stall views with private tunnel access into the Paddock
Spires Terrace & Suites	Contact for details	200	Contact for details	VIP dinners and cocktail receptions	Covered outdoor dining, semi-private suites and dual racetrack and Paddock views
Directors Room	40 plated	75	Contact for details	High-end client or executive meetings and small-scale corporate receptions	Prestigious private setting within the Turf Club; event enhancements available

Make your event unmistakably Churchill Downs with available experiences including a live “Call to the Post” from the bugler, hand-passed mint juleps, guided track visits, hat-making, horseshoe decorating, mock wagering, commemorative Derby glassware, special appearances and custom messaging on built-in digital boards. Enhancement availability varies by event and space.

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Hosting high-level clientele?

Inquire about our Luxury Event Spaces

EVENT ENHANCEMENTS

All special event enhancements and the elements of each event enhancement (ex. In-Person Bugler) are subject to change, based on availability, and certain minimums do apply.

To learn more about special event enhancements, please contact a Special Event Sales Manager at 502.638.3875, or via email at myspecialevent@kyderby.com.

Feature your logo, static image or photo slideshow on our track video board.

The “Call to the Post” or “My Old Kentucky Home” is a unique way to welcome guests and kick off your event.

A dedicated tour guide will educate your guests while showcasing the history of our iconic venue.

Treat your guests to the spirit of the Kentucky Derby with an interactive hat, fascinator, or fedora-making experience. Plus, take your creation home with you!

Official Glassware for our signature Kentucky Derby Mint Julep or Kentucky Oaks Lily make for a lovely keepsake.

Immerse your guests in the taste of Kentucky with a guided tasting of state’s native spirit.

Feel the race day rush with simulated wagering on past live races on in-room televisions, complete with mutuel tellers, bugler, emcee and prizes. Subject to rental space capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Private Event Space & Rentals at Churchill Downs

Check an item off your guests' bucket lists at Louisville's must-visit venue. Our stunning spaces alongside the iconic TwinSpires will transform your event into an experience your guests will always remember.

Have more questions? Contact our Special Events staff at myspecialevent@kyderby.com or fill out the form below!

More FAQs

Yes. Churchill Downs offers more than 50 event spaces for private events in Louisville, with indoor and outdoor settings throughout the historic home of the Kentucky Derby. Options range from intimate private rooms to a full Track Takeover for receptions of 5,000+ guests.

Churchill Downs can host corporate meetings and receptions, weddings, galas, banquets, luncheons, cocktail receptions, social events and other private gatherings. Available spaces range from formal dining rooms and premium clubs to terraces, lawns and trackside settings.

Churchill Downs offers special event venues for a wide range of guest counts. Smaller options include the Directors Room for receptions of up to 75 guests, while First Turn Club and Paddock Terrace can accommodate receptions of up to 3,000. A full Track Takeover can accommodate receptions of more than 5,000 guests.

For large events, First Turn Club accommodates up to 3,000 guests for a reception, Paddock Terrace accommodates up to 3,000, and Homestretch Club lists reception capacity of up to 3,000. Groups seeking an even larger private event can explore a Track Takeover, which accommodates receptions of 5,000+ guests.

Yes. Churchill Downs offers both indoor and outdoor event venues. Options include climate-controlled clubs and dining rooms as well as spaces such as Paddock Lawn, Paddock Terrace, Starting Gate Rooftop Garden and Finish Line Balcony, with select venues offering views of the racetrack, Paddock, Twin Spires or downtown Louisville.

Yes. Churchill Downs has an in-house culinary team with options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Catering can include plated or buffet service, chef-attended stations, hand-passed hors d’oeuvres, gourmet boxed lunches, elevated bar packages and signature bourbon tastings.

Yes. Complimentary on-site parking for guests is offered with every Churchill Downs event rental.

Churchill Downs is approximately 10 minutes from the heart of downtown Louisville. This gives event planners access to a historic Louisville event venue while keeping guests close to downtown hotels and attractions.

Yes. Available enhancements can bring Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby traditions into your event. Options may include a live “Call to the Post” from the bugler, hand-passed mint juleps, a guided track visit, mock wagering, hat-making, horseshoe decorating and commemorative Derby glassware.

Yes. Built-in digital boards can be used to spotlight brands, sponsors or key attendees for select events. Churchill Downs also offers interactive experiences and other enhancements that can help planners create a more customized guest experience.

Yes. A Track Takeover provides a full-venue buyout opportunity for large-scale gatherings and celebrations. Multiple areas of Churchill Downs can be customized to create separate hospitality experiences, luxury lounges and interactive trackside moments for 5,000+ guests.

The right space depends on your guest count, event format and preferred experience. Churchill Downs offers venues suited to everything from executive meetings and seated dinners to weddings, cocktail receptions and large-scale events, and the Special Events Sales Team can help identify the best fit.

Contact the Churchill Downs Special Events Sales Team to discuss your event date, guest count and venue needs. The team can be reached at myspecialevent@kyderby.com or (502) 638-3875.

Or let us know more information about your event or outing through our online form and our staff will reach out to you.