Off-track
betting (“OTB”) patrons at Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”) will enjoy
racing from tracks across North America in a sparkling new location starting
Wednesday, Jan. 16 when the track’s simulcast wagering operations move to The
Parlay, a just-completed, state-of-the-art multi-purpose on-track venue.
The
Parlay is located on the first floor of
the historic track at its Gate 1 entrance off Central Avenue. Patrons will
enter the venue via the track’s admission gates located adjacent to the
Kentucky Derby Museum. Ample free parking is available in lots near the Gate 1
entrance.
The
approximately 14,000 square-foot facility will comfortably accommodate 600
patrons. The venue includes the TSC Elite Gold Room, an area dedicated
to Churchill Downs’ VIP players.
In
racing and gambling parlance, a parlay is a set of two or more wagers set up in
advance so that both the original bet and its winnings are played together in a
subsequent wager. The name was chosen by Churchill Downs to reflect multiple
uses planned for the new venue.
While
The Parlay will be home to Churchill Downs’ simulcasting product during the
months outside of its live racing meets, it also will house the track’s media
operations in the weeks leading up to the 2013 Kentucky Derby Presented
by Yum! Brands (Grade I) and Kentucky Oaks (GI), and during its
three live racing meets.
“We
are excited to unveil The Parlay and believe off-track betting patrons will
share our enthusiasm,” said Ryan Jordan, CDRT General Manager. “It
is a beautiful facility filled with large televisions that provide vivid images
of races from North American tracks and major international events. The
Parlay will provide our OTB patrons with quick and convenient access to food,
beverages and a full-range of amenities.
“This
versatile new venue is a right-sized space for our simulcast wagering audience.
It will enable our team to more effectively serve our patrons and will allow
greater efficiency throughout our OTB operations.”
The
Parlay is one of four capital projects valued at $9 million launched in
mid-2012 by CDRT. The others are: The Mansion, a distinctive hospitality
venue set for early spring completion; the Plaza, an open-air space
adjacent to the Paddock and Gate 1 that opened during the 2012 Fall Meet; and a
second-floor Clubhouse Gold Room, which was unveiled in August, 2012 and
will continue to serve VIP players during live racing meets.
On
April 1, The Parlay will be converted to house Churchill Downs’ media
operations for the Kentucky Derby on May 4, the May 3 Kentucky Oaks and its
Spring Meet that begins with the “Opening Night” celebration on Saturday,
April 27 and concludes on Sunday, June 30. At that time, the OTB
operation will move back to the area of the second-floor Clubhouse that has
been home to its simulcast operation since early 2005. The track’s OTB
operations will remain there until they shift back to The Parlay at the
conclusion of Spring Meet racing.
Foremost
among the amenities available to off-track betting patrons in The Parlay are 42
televisions equipped with massive 70-inch, high-definition screens that fill
the walls throughout the venue. Additionally, there are 18 32-inch TVs
positioned around the facility.
The
Parlay features a 24-foot bar and a food service area that will offer
grab-and-go sandwiches, soups, salads and other OTB fare.
The
600-person capacity includes 320 individual carrels and table seating. There
also is seating at the bar and some lounge chair seats will be available.
Churchill
Downs will continue its Wednesday-through-Sunday simulcast schedule in The
Parlay, depending on availability of signals. The daily admission price remains
at $3 and $1 for seniors ages 60 and up. Admission gates will open at 11:30
a.m. (all times Eastern) unless otherwise noted.
The
2013 racing schedule at Churchill Downs will feature three live meets for the
first time in its history. Along with its Spring Meet, the track will present
its first September Meet, which will feature 12 days of racing from Sept.
5-29, and its traditional Fall Meet, which will run from Oct.
27-Nov. 30.