Lexington, Kentucky, January 28, 2026
Keeneland is set to unveil five new hospitality venues within the newly built Paddock Building, enhancing the race-day experience for fans during the 2026 Spring Meet. These venues will include the 1936 Room, Sycamore Room, Dogwood Room, Ivy Room, and The Rooftop, offering a variety of dining options and a business casual dress code. Over 1,000 new public dining seats will be available each race day, and tickets go on sale February 17. This investment aims to engage guests year-round while supporting the Thoroughbred industry.
Lexington, Kentucky – Keeneland will debut five new hospitality venues in its newly constructed Paddock Building during the 2026 Spring Meet, greatly enhancing the race-day experience for fans.
The Paddock Building will offer over 1,000 new public dining seats each race day, providing guests with various distinctive dining options. These venues will be utilized year-round, catering to racing fans, sales customers, and special event guests.
The five new venues include:
- 1936 Room: An all-inclusive hospitality venue featuring lounge seating, high-top tables, passed heavy hors d’oeuvres, and premium bar service, located on the north side of the Paddock Building. Guests will have an up-close view as jockeys pass through to the Saddling Paddock. Exclusive access to the landscaped Paddock Lawn is also available.
- Sycamore Room: This venue offers à la carte high-end dining with classic American cuisine and is located on the south end of the first floor, adjacent to the new Stakes Winner’s Circle, providing a sophisticated environment for racing enthusiasts.
- Dogwood Room: Inspired by Kentucky’s native flowering Dogwood tree, this spacious second-floor venue overlooks the Saddling Paddock, featuring buffet-style dining and offering a memorable pre-race viewing experience.
- Ivy Room: Complementing the Dogwood Room, this second-floor space provides a comfortable, intimate setting with buffet-style dining in a refined environment.
- The Rooftop: This third-floor venue features two areas with sweeping views of the Paddock and Keeneland campus, including a fully enclosed indoor dining room and a covered outdoor space with a bar and patio seating.
All venues in the Paddock Building will enforce a business casual dress code. Tickets for the Spring Meet, scheduled from April 3 to April 24, 2026, will go on sale on February 17 at 9 a.m. ET, with online purchase recommended due to high demand.
The new Paddock Building signifies an investment in the Thoroughbred industry and Keeneland’s commitment to support and grow the sport, while providing innovative ways to engage guests year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the new hospitality venues in the Paddock Building?
The five new venues are the 1936 Room, Sycamore Room, Dogwood Room, Ivy Room, and The Rooftop. Each offers unique dining experiences and amenities.
When do tickets for the 2026 Spring Meet go on sale?
Tickets will go on sale on February 17 at 9 a.m. ET. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance online due to high demand.
What is the dress code for the new venues?
Each venue in the Paddock Building will follow a business casual dress code.
How many new public dining seats are available each race day?
The Paddock Building introduces over 1,000 new public dining seats each race day.
What is the purpose of the Paddock Building?
The Paddock Building represents an investment in the Thoroughbred industry and furthers Keeneland’s mission to support and grow the sport. It creates new, meaningful ways to engage guests year-round.
Key Features of the Paddock Building’s New Hospitality Venues
| Venue | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1936 Room | North side of Paddock Building | All-inclusive hospitality with lounge seating, high-top tables, passed hors d’oeuvres, premium bar service, and exclusive access to Paddock Lawn. |
| Sycamore Room | South end of first floor, adjacent to Stakes Winner’s Circle | À la carte high-end dining featuring classic American cuisine. |
| Dogwood Room | Second floor, overlooking Saddling Paddock | Buffet-style dining with views of pre-race action. |
| Ivy Room | Second floor, complements Dogwood Room | Buffet-style dining in a comfortable, intimate setting. |
| The Rooftop | Third floor | Enclosed indoor dining room and covered outdoor space with bar and patio seating, offering panoramic views. |
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