Churchill Downs to Host 2018 Breeders’ Cup

The Breeders’ Cup will return to Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2018. Churchill Downs last hosted the prestigious thoroughbred championships in 2011.

“We are thrilled to announce our return to Louisville,” said Breeders’ Cup President and CEO Craig Fravel. “Churchill Downs’ ongoing, significant investment in their facility to enhance the experience for participants and fans aligns perfectly with our desire to conduct one of the best racing events in the world, and we’re looking forward to another landmark event in 2018.”

The 35th Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be held November 2–3, 2018, and will be televised live by NBC Sports Group.

Since 2011, Churchill Downs has invested more than $67 million to elevate the experience for fans and participants, and has introduced new, in-demand luxury seating and entertainment options. The improvements include Clubhouse enhancements, Winner’s Circle Suites, Grandstand Terrace & Rooftop Garden, The Mansion and the installation of the world’s largest ultra high-definition video board.

“We are excited that the Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be returning in 2018 to Churchill Downs Racetrack, the city of Louisville and Kentucky,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated. “Fan support for the Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs has been spectacular in the eight previous visits and our track has been the scene of many of the most important performances in the event’s history. I’m confident the return of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships to Churchill Downs will be an unforgettable event.”

The Louisville (Kentucky) Convention & Visitors Bureau has also played a role in bringing the event back to the city. “We have been working over the years with Breeders’ Cup and Churchill Downs to ensure the return of this prestigious international event,” said Karen Williams, president and CEO of the Louisville CVB. “We are excited about 2018 and also working to entice the event’s return in future years.”

The 2018 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be the ninth time that the event will be hosted at Churchill Downs which, at that time, will be tied with Santa Anita Park in California for the most ever held at one venue. In years past, Churchill Downs has hosted the largest Breeders’ Cup’s crowds, including a record-breaking two-day attendance figure of 114,353 in 2010.