Churchill Downs Racetrack (“Churchill Downs”), home of the Kentucky Derby for more than 150 years, welcomes hundreds of thousands of guests annually and operates year-round to support racing, special events, hospitality, and community engagement. As one of the most recognized sporting venues in the world, Churchill Downs carries not only a storied legacy, but a responsibility to operate with efficiency and foresight behind the scenes.
To support that responsibility, Churchill Downs has taken a comprehensive approach to improving energy performance across its expansive campus. Working closely with LG&E and KU through the utilities’ Business Rebates program, Churchill Downs has pursued upgrades across lighting, HVAC systems, controls, and mechanical infrastructure. Projects have included high-efficiency LED lighting paired with advanced lighting controls, installation of variable frequency drives (VFDs), chiller tune-ups and chilled water system optimization, and improvements to rooftop units (RTUs) and broader HVAC systems.
“Responsible stewardship means making smart decisions that balance tradition with innovation,” said Mike Ziegler, General Manager at Churchill Downs Racetrack. “Partnering with LG&E and KU helps us pursue improvements that reduce energy use, support reliable operations, and ensure this historic venue continues to thrive for generations to come.”
Through projects submitted to the Business Rebates program over the past two years, Churchill Downs has saved 1,201 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy and reduced demand by 254 kilowatts (kW). Just as importantly, the process was collaborative and streamlined, with guidance from LG&E and KU and their program partners helping Churchill Downs identify eligible measures and navigate documentation requirements.
Beyond the immediate rebate incentives and operational improvements, these upgrades support long-term sustainability goals across the organization. Even incremental efficiency gains can have a significant cumulative impact on a large, year-round venue. By investing in modernized infrastructure and strategic energy management, Churchill Downs is demonstrating that environmental responsibility and operational excellence can move forward in stride.
And that’s a race worth running.
