Reserved Kentucky Downs seats available online now

Kentucky Downs’ online ticket office is open for purchasing reserved seating at America’s most unique race meet, Sept. 1, 6, 8, 9 and 13.

The popular tent at the track’s finish line is being transformed into the open-air Finish Line Pavilion, a permanent structure whose seating will expand from 220 to 300. The 120 X 30-foot pavilion will be well-stocked with video monitors, dedicated mutuel windows and cash bar. Tickets in the Finish Line Pavilion remain $35 a person, which includes the unlimited buffet and program.

The Finish Line Pavilion is one of three reserved-seating options in private areas requiring a ticket for admission. Also available are the Turf Club Tent outside Kentucky Downs’ main building near the top of the stretch and the second-floor Director’s Room, both venues stay at $50 per person, including a more upscale buffet and track program, betting windows and cash bar. The Turf Club can seat 100 and the Director’s Room 150.

Enhancements to the main building for the 2018 live meet include the addition of valet parking at the new porte cochere, remodeled first-floor bar/lounge and terrace overlooking America’s only European-style course, and the renovated second floor for horse-wagering guests. In addition, pavement has replaced gravel on the racetrack apron.

“Last year’s record-setting meet wasn’t even over when we began thinking how to make our racing even more enjoyable for our guests,” said Ted Nicholson, Kentucky Downs’ senior vice president and general manager. “Building a permanent Finish Line Pavilion was a priority as we sought to retain Kentucky Downs’ outdoor charm while making the seating and dining more comfortable. The Turf Club Tent and Director’s Room provide a more upscale experience while offering an incredible view of horses racing around the sweeping far turn, through the course’s undulations and into the long stretch.

“We are opening our online ticket office two months earlier than last year because of the high demand for reserved seats. We hear all the time from racing enthusiasts across the country that Kentucky Downs is on their bucket list, and we want to make it easy to secure reserved seating that meets their needs. The new Finish Line Pavilion also allows us to accommodate more people. That said, with only five days of live racing, we encourage making plans early and taking advantage of the convenience of purchasing tickets online.”

As always, general admission and general parking are free at Kentucky Downs, which offers a tailgate area at the top of the stretch on weekends and a grassy expanse between the main building and Finish Line Pavilion for those who prefer bringing lawn chairs or blankets.

Kentucky Downs will offer $10 million in purses over its five-date meet, the highest per-day average in the country.