Keeneland will begin an exciting new construction project in January 2024 that is highlighted by a permanent Paddock Building and a reimagined saddling experience.

Located alongside the Keeneland Paddock and Walking Ring, the new Paddock Building will expand viewing and dining experiences available to the public during Keeneland’s two signature race meets, enhance hospitality during Keeneland’s Thoroughbred auctions and provide exceptional new venues for special events year-round. Furthering Keeneland’s culture of equine safety, the saddling stalls will be repositioned to provide the safest environment possible for equine and human participants and to give fans an unmatched view of the Saddling Paddock.

The three-level building is planned in the current footprint of the Keeneland administrative building and Jockeys Quarters and will extend the entire length of the Paddock and Walking Ring.  Once complete, it will feature a variety of ticketed experiences available to the public including traditional sit-down dining, new bar concepts, a panoramic rooftop and more.  

The Paddock Building will include a reconfigured East Gate entrance that will align with Keeneland Boulevard while expanding the area inside the gates around the historic Sycamore tree. Additionally, a new Jockeys Quarters will be housed within the building, providing a unique viewing experience in which jockeys will walk directly through the venue before each race. 

Keeneland will continue to provide updates regarding our progress on the construction project and more details about the new experiences available to our customers and fans.

When will construction begin and how long will it take?

Keeneland plans to begin construction in January 2024 after the conclusion of the Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale.  Plans are to complete construction in the Fall of 2025.

How will Keeneland’s race meets, sales and events be impacted during construction? 

Keeneland Racing and Sales will continue at full capacity during construction. The improvements will not impact Keeneland’s current dining, seating and general admission experiences during our race meets or the operations of our Thoroughbred auctions. 

How many fans will the new Paddock Building accommodate on race days?

The new structure will offer approximately 1,400 additional tickets for race day fans.  

Is Keeneland planning other improvements to the facilities?

Within the scope of this project, plans are also in development for an on-site Visitors Center. As part of our mission to invest in the future of our sport, Keeneland is planning other future improvements to our facilities and grounds. We look forward to announcing enhancements to improve our trackside experience, Sales Pavilion and backstretch community as well as other infrastructure upgrades. 

What type of experiences are available for purchase in the new Paddock Building and how much will they cost?

These ticketed venues will be available to the general public and offer a variety of ticketed experiences including sit-down dining, new bar concepts, a panoramic rooftop bar experience and more. Keeneland will release more details regarding these experiences and pricing as plans develop.

How will the new Paddock Building be used for Keeneland Sales and Special Events outside of live racing?

The Paddock Building will provide more meeting space as well as food and beverage options for Keeneland’s Thoroughbred auctions. Venues within the new structure will also be available for weddings, corporate events and more.

Why is Keeneland changing the location of the saddling stalls?

Furthering Keeneland’s culture of equine safety, the saddling stalls will be repositioned to allow more room for horses and participants, providing the safest environment possible for our equine and human athletes. The repositioning of the saddling process will also provide fans an unmatched viewing experience of horses.

How will the construction blend with Keeneland’s historic facility?

Throughout Keeneland’s history, improvements have been undertaken with an eye to seamlessly blend the old with new. The Paddock Building allows us to extend our commitment to world-class hospitality, accommodate more fans and enhance the beloved traditions here at Keeneland for generations to come.