Churchill Downs & Sports Illustrated Unveil Club SI for Historic Kentucky Derby
Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has partnered with Sports Illustrated to create Club SI, a new luxury dining experience set to debut at the historic 150th Kentucky Derby on May 4, 2024. This multi-year naming rights partnership heralds a new era of luxury and entertainment at the renowned Churchill Downs Racetrack.
A New Chapter in Luxury Race Day Experience
Club SI, originally planned as the 1895 Club, is poised to offer an unparalleled race day experience on Opening Night of Derby Week. It’s part of the extensive $200 million Paddock Project renovation at Churchill Downs, designed to elevate the Kentucky Derby experience with modern, sophisticated offerings.
Exclusive Features of Club SI
The Club SI experience will feature an immersive view of the new Paddock and Paddock Runway, giving guests a unique behind-the-scenes perspective. The interior design will showcase iconic Sports Illustrated magazine covers and editorial content, providing glimpses into historic Kentucky Derby races and Sports Illustrated’s new SI Resorts vertical. Additionally, celebrity ambassadors will host Club SI, adding a touch of glamour to the premium race day experience.
Enhancing Churchill Downs with Gourmet and Entertainment
Open on premium race days, Club SI will include dining tables accommodating various party sizes. Guests will enjoy gourmet dishes from the Chef’s Table Buffet, private bars, outdoor trackside viewing, and exclusive wagering windows. The nearby SI Enclosure offers a front-row Paddock experience with covered outdoor dining options.
Excitement from CDI and Sports Illustrated Leadership
Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack, expressed excitement about partnering with Sports Illustrated, highlighting their shared vision of combining sports with upscale entertainment. Sports Illustrated’s SVP Media Brands, Michael Sherman, also emphasized the brand’s long-standing representation of Churchill Downs Racetrack in its media and the excitement of bringing Club SI to life.
About Churchill Downs Incorporated
Churchill Downs Incorporated, known for its iconic Kentucky Derby, has been creating extraordinary entertainment experiences for nearly 150 years. With its headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, CDI has diversified into various aspects of live and historical racing entertainment, online wagering, and regional casino gaming development.
About Churchill Downs Racetrack
The world’s most legendary racetrack, Churchill Downs Racetrack, has been the home of the Kentucky Derby since 1875. Located in Louisville, it hosts Thoroughbred horse racing across three meets annually and features a range of themed race days, including the Kentucky Oaks. With extensive facilities, it offers seating for 60,000 guests and a comprehensive sports book and simulcast wagering facility.
About Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated stands as a leader in sports media, merging sports, lifestyle, and entertainment. It delivers immersive content through various platforms, including SI.com, social media, and its monthly print magazine. Beyond media, SI expands into resorts, ticketing platforms, sports betting, studios, and events like the Sportsperson of the Year Awards and SI Swimsuit Launch Weekend.