Sneak Peek in The Mansion at Churchill Downs

by Zach Everson May 1, 2013, 12:12pm EDT

For what we believe was the first time, Churchill Downs allowed the media to see The Mansion today. The invite-only area on the sixth floor seats about 300 and tickets, er, experiences are in the $10,000 range.
From the press release about The Mansion that went out when the project was announced in July:

Patrons will be delivered to The Mansion at Churchill Downs via private elevator, and its doors will open onto a breathtaking venue that will evoke the elegant feel and flow of a celebration at a stately home. Guests will stroll onto a covered outdoor terrace where every conversation and victory toast will be conducted against the astonishing, up-close backdrop of the venerable Twin Spires, the symbolic heart and soul of Churchill Downs and the Derby since their introduction in 1895. The Mansion, with seating and exclusive entertainment opportunities for more than 320 guests, will offer grand settings in its Dining Room, Living Room, Library, Parlor and Veranda, along with more intimate gathering spaces in its foyer and bar. Guests will have access to a private wine cellar, and personal concierge service available to guests of The Mansion at Churchill Downs will ensure an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks experience.

The space formerly was the media center, which has now been moved to the ground floor near the paddock in a rooms that's a simulcast facility in the off-season (trust me, no media members are bitching about that move, no one).