How Churchill Downs Synthetic Turf Elevates the Iconic New Paddock
Louisville, KY – SYNLawn Kentucky played a part in an exciting new chapter for the world-famous Churchill Downs: the $200 million renovation of its 12,000-square-foot Paddock. The Paddock is a favorite spot for fans to see the horses up close before each race. As part of the remodel, it was rotated 180 degrees to face the grandstand, with the Twin Spires as its backdrop, and the saddling stalls were lowered by eight feet for better visibility.
Designed to be the central entertainment hub for Derby Day guests, the new Paddock also features Churchill Downs synthetic turf installed by SYNLawn Kentucky, giving the outdoor space a polished, upscale finish.
Why Artificial Turf Won Out Over Sod
SYNLawn Kentucky worked alongside JR Contracting on the multi-year renovation. Sod was originally planned for the Paddock, but the client ultimately decided artificial turf was the better choice for appearance, quality, and maintenance.
The Paddock sees heavy traffic from horses and their trainers, so keeping maintenance to a minimum is essential. With synthetic grass, the grounds team no longer needs to water, mow, or fertilize. It also avoids the muddy conditions natural sod can develop after a Kentucky spring rain, which matters at a venue that hosts its biggest day of the year on the first Saturday in May.
A Sustainable, Safety-Tested Turf for Derby Day Crowds
SYNLawn Kentucky installed 10,000 square feet of SYNTipede 243 to create an upscale outdoor destination for the roughly 150,000 spectators who attend Derby Day each year. This eco-friendly turf offers outstanding strength and resiliency, and it features SYNLawn’s exclusive plant-based EnviroLoc+™ Backing System. This sustainable, multi-layer system locks in durable turf fibers and extends the life of the turf.
Key features of SYNTipede 243 at the Paddock include:
- Excellent drainage: SYNLawn Kentucky also helped revise the venue’s drainage plan so the surface drains efficiently.
- Fire safety: A Class A fire rating under ASTM E108.
- Tested performance: Tested to ASTM F1292 for impact attenuation and ASTM F1951 for accessibility.
- Low maintenance: No watering, mowing, or fertilizing required.
Project at a glance:
- Location: The Paddock at Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
- Installer: SYNLawn Kentucky
- Project partner: JR Contracting
- Project type: Part of the $200 million Paddock renovation
- Product: 10,000 square feet of SYNTipede 243
- Recognition: “Best Outdoor Entertainment Project” award at the annual SYNLawn Conference
An Award-Winning Project at a Louisville Landmark
SYNLawn Kentucky took great pride in collaborating on this high-profile project at one of Louisville’s most beloved landmarks. In recognition of its excellent work, the team won the “Best Outdoor Entertainment Project” award at the annual SYNLawn Conference.
Elevate Your Louisville Venue With Premium Synthetic Grass
Whether you manage a sports venue, an event space, a hospitality property, or a corporate campus, SYNLawn Kentucky would love to help you create an outdoor space that impresses guests and stands up to heavy use. The team works closely with commercial clients throughout Louisville and across Kentucky on custom designs featuring premium synthetic turf. Contact SYNLawn Kentucky today to talk through your ideas and get started.
