Churchill Downs to add $12M hi-def 'Big Board'

Jonathan Lintner | USA TODAY Sports

LOUISVILLE -- Suggesting that it now gets the "big picture," Churchill Downs on Monday announced it will add a 15,224-square-foot, high-definition LED video board to the track in time for the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Oaks.

The $12 million Panasonic screen will be positioned midway down the backstretch outside of the dirt course, raised 80 feet in the air. Measuring 171 feet wide and 170 feet high, Churchill expects it to sit well within view of clubhouse, grandstand and infield spectators.

"Since 2005 we have invested over $160 million in improving our fans' experience," said Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs, in a statement. "Along with our current $15 million Grandstand Terrace project we are investing over $27 million this year to make Churchill Downs not only the best venue for thoroughbred racing's biggest events, the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, but one of the premier sports and entertainment venues anywhere in the world."

Churchill noted that it considered safety of jockeys and horses when choosing where to construct the massive screen, and said design for its location, height and overall size "all focused on avoiding disruptions to the conduct of a race."

Preliminary design is under way. Construction is set to start in December, with hopes it's completed during the January-mid March period at the track with no racing.

The monitor is scheduled to debut on April 26, 2014, on opening night of Derby week, and the track is adding HD recording equipment to maximize picture quality.

Spokesman John Asher said the monitor will be used on all race dates and be available for special events at the track, such as convention gatherings and fundraisers. But he said no new events directly linked to the board "are currently planned."

Churchill's news release said the "Big Board" will measure as the world's largest HD screen, though the Charlotte Motor Speedway has a 16,000-square-foot Panasonic monitor along its backstretch, and the Texas Motor Speedway will add its 20,000-square-foot "Big Hoss" board in 2014.

Lintner also writes for The (Louisville) Courier-Journal