Video: Churchill Downs shows off new suites, parking improvements

The paint is still wet in some spots, and the sounds of construction continue at Churchill Downs now fewer than two weeks from the 2018 Kentucky Derby. But racetrack officials on Thursday were ready to show off some $69 million in capital projects.

First in the new Starting Gate Suites, which overlook the far turn, media members toured a spot that has added 1,800 in new seats for Derby goers.

The bad news: They sold out before even built. The good news: Access won't be limited to just Derby weekend. The cost? $130,000 for Friday and Saturday of Derby week.

Whoa.

"Phase one" of a parking and transportation project includes a more efficient bus/shuttle system is also complete. Churchill Downs has expanded the space behind its paddock 100,000 square feet to allow for more meeting areas, and renovations include new entryways into the track.

While all on-site parking is packaged with tickets and reserved for horsemen, Churchill continues to recommend neighborhood parking and will prevent pedestrians for inhibiting traffic flow with a temporary walking bridge on site.

Get a look below: