LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Derby City Gaming Downtown celebrated a soft launch of the state-of-the-art venue in the heart of downtown Louisville.
Mark Wheeler is the former regional chairman of U.S. Bank, which used to call the building home. He says he is amazed by the transformation.
“It was a bank that not too many people came in. It wasn’t a destination unless you had come here. And now it’s a dream destination for tourists and for Louisvillians who like to come in and really experience something pretty spectacular,” said Wheeler.
Wheeler walked through the new entertainment venue and remembered where things used to be, including his office and boardroom.
“I spent 17 years here and my boardroom was back in one of the turrets. The boardroom is gone and now it’s a special little room with gaming machines and transformed the upstairs and the downstairs. It used to looks like an old dirty closet,” said Wheeler.
Now it is two floors of energy and lights. Filled with 500 state-of-the-art historical racing machines and three bars, First Turn Sports bar; a race and sports book on the main level, where they will have live weekend entertainment. The Trophy Bar Bourbon and Cigars is on the lower level with an outdoor cigar-smoking patio. Finally, there is the Fascinator Wine Bar, located also on the lower level of the property. There is also a Kentucky Derby gift shop on the main floor.
Derby City Gaming general manager, Garth Williams, said he is excited to be adding more entertainment in the heart of downtown.
“This is a $90 million investment. And if we just think of ourselves as just joining and joining what is already a great downtown and helping make it better,” said Williams.
Both Williams and Wheeler say the 43,000 square-foot gaming facility not only provides 150 plus new jobs but will also boost the local economy.
Wheeler said, “[It] Will provide a place for tourists and citizens to come downtown and have some fun and excitement and something different.”
Wheeler says he can’t wait to bring friends to get their game on and win big. Derby City Gaming Downtown officially opens to the public on Wednesday, Dec. 6.
