Kentucky Downs announces opening date for new expansion

FRANKLIN, Ky. – A south central Kentucky attraction announced an opening date for its new addition.

During the first week in September, new gaming machines, an entertainment stage and multimedia center bar will open to the public at Kentucky Downs in Simpson County.

The entertainment stage is one major feature of the add on, according to John Wholihan, the Kentucky Downs director of marketing.

“The entertainment’s coming with a very large stage at the south end of the expansion so we’re really excited about that. The bands that we’ve had in the past get to come to a nicer facility to work, DJ’s, but also the new type of bands will be able to attract with a little more professional equipment and availability and the size of the stage,” said Wholihan.

The addition includes more than 600 historical horse racing gaming machines, a 30,000-square-foot gaming hall and a high-limit betting area.

But the wow factor is the massive center bar, according to Kentucky Downs General Manager Ted Nicholson.

“As far as the expansion we love the center bar we love the openness, the high ceilings, just the grandness of it all is going to be an eye-opener and get the wow,” said Nicholson.

“It’s the center. It’s the main attraction. It’s right in the center of the action, so gaming, entertainment’s nearby plus good drinks and the TVs for when we do get sports back we’ll be able to watch,” said Wholihan.

The expansion is not only an exciting addition, but a needed extra space for the business.

“Honestly the space is needed, we were busting at the seams so now being able to expand to an additional 30,000 feet is what is vital for us,” said Nicholson.

A six-day racing event at the Kentucky Downs track will begin around the same time as the re-opening in September.

The expansion is part of a project that began last year under Kentucky Downs’ new ownership.