America’s oldest sport is getting a thoughtful update, led by acclaimed architecture firm Populous. Keeneland is set to open a new chapter this spring with the debut of interior hospitality spaces inside its newly constructed Paddock Building, marking one of the most significant guest experience upgrades in the track’s history.
The new venues will officially welcome fans during the 2026 Spring Meet.
Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said the project reflects both confidence in the future of Thoroughbred racing and a long-term investment in how fans experience the sport.
“The Paddock Building represents an investment in the Thoroughbred industry and furthers Keeneland’s mission to support and grow the sport,” Arvin said. “It speaks to our confidence in racing’s future while creating new, meaningful ways to engage guests year-round.”
Keeneland’s Modern Take on Racing Tradition
The Paddock Building was designed to respect Keeneland’s historic character while offering more contemporary dining and gathering options. Lexington-based interior designer Matthew Carter led the interior design, focusing on spaces that feel distinctly Keeneland but function for today’s racegoers.
In addition to race days, the building is designed for year-round use, including sales periods and private events. On race days alone, it introduces more than 1,000 new public dining tickets, significantly expanding premium hospitality access.
The building also frames the reimagined Saddling Paddock and Stakes Winner’s Circle, both of which debuted during the 2025 Fall Meet, giving guests closer views of the pre-race rituals that define Keeneland.
New Public Dining and Hospitality Venues
The Paddock Building features several new dining and hospitality spaces, each with its own atmosphere and vantage point:
- 1936 Room: Named for the year Keeneland first opened for racing, this all-inclusive, reception-style venue emphasizes movement and social energy. Guests enjoy passed heavy hors d’oeuvres, premium bar service, lounge seating, and a rare up-close view as jockeys walk through the room en route to the Saddling Paddock. Access to the adjacent Paddock Lawn is included.
- Sycamore Room: Located on the south end of the first floor near the new Stakes Winner’s Circle, the Sycamore Room offers à la carte, high-end dining featuring classic American cuisine. The space is designed to evoke traditional race-day elegance in a more formal dining environment.
- Dogwood Room: This second-floor venue overlooks the Saddling Paddock and features buffet-style dining. Inspired by Kentucky’s native dogwood trees, it blends comfort and tradition while offering an excellent view of pre-race activity.
- Ivy Room: Also on the second floor, the Ivy Room mirrors the Dogwood Room’s style but is reserved for private group dining. It is not available through public ticket sales.
- The Rooftop: Located on the third floor, The Rooftop includes both an enclosed premium dining room and a covered outdoor space with a central bar and patio seating. Together, they provide sweeping views of the paddock and the broader Keeneland campus.
All Paddock Building venues will follow a business casual dress code.
Spring Meet ticket details
The 2026 Spring Meet runs April 3–24, with no racing on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Easter Sunday (April 5). Keeneland strongly recommends purchasing tickets in advance due to high demand.
Public ticket options include:
- Paddock Building hospitality rooms (1936 Room, Sycamore Room, Dogwood Room, Rooftop Bar and Rooftop Dining)
- Trackside dining rooms (Phoenix Room, Lexington/Kentucky Room, and Equestrian Room). A new business formal dress code will be in effect for the Phoenix Room.
- Grandstand reserved seating
- General admission and general admission season passes
With the opening of the Paddock Building’s hospitality spaces, Keeneland continues to evolve its race-day experience while staying firmly rooted in the traditions that have defined the track for nearly a century.
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