Downs After Dark - A Golden Era

Who said Churchill Downs is only fun one weekend out of the year? With the relatively new night racing series, Churchill Downs has become a hot spot more often than not and this upcoming weekend will be no exception. Downs After Dark began in 2010 and has been picking up speed and popularity ever since. Downs After Dark combines horse racing, music, and the nightclub scene to create the ultimate party. Each Downs After Dark attracts tens of thousands of patrons. Attendees come to party under the historic twin spires in a unique setting that you can’t get in a normal afternoon at the track. Couches and lounge chairs accompany the typical paddock furniture, creating a unique nightclub atmosphere. The Downs After Dark model has proven to be very successful. 

It is nearing the end of November and Churchill Down’s night racing will return from a short hiatus with an extravagant party. Saturday, November 17, 2012, Stella Artois and Finlandia Vodka are hosting Down After Dark-A Golden Era. The theme, A Golden Era, will celebrate the roaring twenties, so make sure you come with your flapper hat and mob boss suit in tow. Churchill Downs is said to be transformed into a “Gatsby-like estate” according to Darren Rogers, Senior Director of Communications and Media Services at Churchill Downs. You can expect the same over-the-top decor and exciting ambiance that you get from any other Downs After Dark.

In keeping with he roaring 20’s theme, the headliners for the night will be Swing St. Louis featuring Jack Garret and the Syndicate and the Rick Bartlett Band. Both bands will be performing at the former Paddock Pavilion.

Downs After Dark is also bringing back a popular Bet or no Bet Sweepstakes sponsored by Thortons. Four lucky fans will get the chance to choose between placing a $1,000 win wager on a horse of their choice, or walk away with a $100 gas gift card.

Doors open at 3:00pm on Saturday and the first race is scheduled to run at 4:30pm. There are eleven races to run under the lights with the last race scheduled for 9:36pm. General admission to Churchill Downs is $10.00, but there are a variety of other ticketing options available.  

Box seats are available for $20.00 per person.

For $40.00 per person you can gain access to the Millionaire's Lounge where beer tastings are available as well as food tastings, entertainment and access to a semiprivate balcony.  

For $59.95 you can sit in Millionaires Row. You will also have dinner on Millionaires Row. 

For $101 per person you will have a private Jockey Club Suite. A private room and balcony, full bar and chef table, and private wagering machine are all included. A 15 person minimum is required.

I already have my plans set to attend this weekend’s Downs After Dark and I wouldn't miss it for anything. Churchill Downs and Downs After Dark are both uniquely Louisville and we should take advantage of celebrating them every chance we get.