Opened for the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 6, the new First Turn Club and First Turn Reserved Seating structure – a $90 million capital investment – introduced more than 7,300 permanent all-inclusive seats in a unique location with exclusive views of the Kentucky Derby walkover and the picturesque first turn framed by the historic Twin Spires. It replaced what was formerly known as the vineyard vines Grandstand and Section 110, which previously accommodated 3,400 temporary Oaks and Derby seats.
The First Turn Club, a modern dining experience located on the first floor, was strictly reserved for up to 2,000 indoor premium dining guests. Amenities include a 50,000-square foot climate-controlled hospitality venue with dining tables for eight or 10 guests complete with wagering windows, a massive wraparound video board, upscale Chef’s Table offerings and dedicated bars and restrooms to the space. First Turn Club guests had exclusive access to watch the races from a descending patio with tiered viewing rails adjacent to the track via wall-to-wall glass doors in the expansive dining room.
The First Turn Reserved Seating on the second and third floors features more than 5,300 covered and padded stadium seats, a covered open-air concession area and two concourses that create a convenient place for socializing with an outdoor racetrack view.
Two-day Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks all-inclusive tickets for the First Turn Club premium dining area start at $2,610 per seat, while First Turn Reserved Seating starts at $1,261 per seat. Interested guests may contact the Churchill Downs Premium Seating Department via email at [email protected] or by calling (502) 636-4447. A Premium Seating Concierge is available to discuss Personal Seat Licenses online at https://www.kentuckyderby.com/orphans/premium-seating-concierge-inquiry
Positioned on the iconic first turn of the racetrack, the First Turn offers a front row seat to the thunderous racing and the famous Kentucky Derby Walkover, where contenders and their connections parade along the track from the barn area to the Paddock prior to the big race.
FIRST TURN CLUB DINING
The First Turn Club dining area offers tables for groups to sit and dine while viewing races on a plethora of indoor HD TVs. The dining area includes access to a private trackside viewing terrace next to the national broadcast plaza, a panoramic video board wrapping the center bar and a 5,000 square foot climate controlled interior with open areas for guests to mingle.
FIRST TURN RESERVED SEATING
The First Turn offers covered, stadium-style reserved seating for guests to enjoy races on the iconic first turn. Guests will receive Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks race day programs as well as food, non-alcoholic and alcoholic bar packages and nearby self betting and mutuel teller options.
