Churchill Downs Opens 23,000-sq ft Marshall Yards with 225 HRMs on $40–45M Investment
Churchill Downs Incorporated invested $40–45 million to open its eighth Kentucky historical racing venue, Marshall Yards Racing & Gaming, featuring a 23,000 sq ft facility with 225 HRMs, a retail sportsbook and simulcast wagering. HRM revenue will fund Oak Grove Racing’s purse pool, potentially boosting Churchill Downs’ meet profitability.
1. Venue Features
Churchill Downs opened Marshall Yards Racing & Gaming on February 25, 2026, in Calvert City, Kentucky as its eighth historical horse racing venue in the state. The 23,000 sq ft facility houses 225 state-of-the-art historical racing machines, a retail sportsbook, simulcast wagering terminals and various food and beverage outlets.
2. Investment and Purse Funding
The company allocated $40–45 million for development of the Marshall Yards venue, directing a portion of machine-generated revenue to support purse funding for the Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel meet in nearby Oak Grove, Kentucky. This structure is designed to enhance race meet profitability by channeling gaming proceeds directly into payout pools.
3. Strategic Expansion
The launch of Marshall Yards furthers Churchill Downs’ strategy to expand its footprint in Southwestern Kentucky and grow its network of historical racing venues. The initiative aims to stimulate regional tourism, generate local economic opportunities and reinforce the company’s leadership in the racing and gaming entertainment sector.