One of Kentucky’s horse racetracks and gambling facilities is adding an event center to its property.
The Mint Gaming Hall at Kentucky Downs in Franklin held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday to celebrate its official opening. The new space can accommodate up to 400 people and is adjacent to the gaming hall.
Kentucky horse racing is the main driver of all Kentucky gaming. In addition to horse betting, several tracks have Kentucky’s version of slot machines, historical horse racing machines.
Kentucky Downs was already home to America’s only all-turf style track, 750 historical horse racing machines and a simulcast racebook. Additionally, it has a charitable bingo hall that allows local charities to operate bingo games four days a week.
Now, the ability to host events gives ownership another way to attract potential customers.
Event center is part of larger renovations
Ownership expects to rent the new event space for conferences, weddings, special events and parties. It also has a lawn section that could serve as a venue for outdoor concerts or events.
Once renovations are completed in July, the new event space will also be connected to the new Spring Hill Suites hotel.
“As you are booking rooms to the hotel, you can also book the meetings as well, which we also have the meeting room inside the Marriott,” Johan Mirkovic, Vice President & General Manager of The Mint, told local media. “But if you need to book a larger event that can accommodate up to 300-400 people, we have it inside (The Mint).”
Kentucky Downs debuted in 1998 as Dueling Grounds. Since its inception, the property changed hands twice. First, in 2007 when it was renamed Kentucky Downs. Then again, in 2019, when current owners took over and began making large-scale renovations.
Kentucky Downs only runs horse races seven days a year, making it one of the most exclusive racing venues in the country. Kentucky Downs races happen this year on Aug. 31 and Sept. 2, 3, 7, 9, 10 and 13.
Is a retail sportsbook in Kentucky Downs’ future?
In short, probably. Kentucky Downs is one of 10 Kentucky venues eligible for retail sportsbooks.
Moreover, it already has an agreement with sports betting giant FanDuel. In 2021, FanDuel signed a three-year deal with Kentucky Downs to be the title sponsor of its brief meet, which is now called the FanDuel Meet at Kentucky Downs.
In addition, it appears management wants one. The general manager of a sister location in Cumberland recently told local media that sportsbooks give Kentucky a “competitive advantage.”
