Keeneland officials announced Thursday that it has contracted with HOK Sport,
the world’s leading sports architecture firm, to develop a master plan for the
current and future use of its facility. As part of the process, HOK will
undertake a review and assessment of Keeneland’s existing facilities and
operations. The goal of the project is to enhance the “Keeneland experience” for
racing, sales and simulcast guests and the community.
“We have charged HOK with two goals,” said Nick Nicholson, president & CEO of
Keeneland. “First and foremost, anything we do must be in the best interest of
the horse and its safety. The welfare of horse and rider is our top priority.
Another will be to preserve the sight lines of the racetrack, and our ability to
offer guests the clearest views of the saddling paddock and races.
“Secondly, as we explore ways to grow we cannot lose sight of Keeneland’s
‘soul,’ or the essence of what makes Keeneland so special. We must protect that
ambience while at the same time enhance our guests’ experience by taking full
advantage of all modern technologies. With that in mind, we look to HOK to help
us marry innovation and tradition in a way that ensures Keeneland remains the
place we all know and love.”
Toward the latter goal, Keeneland has invited the public to offer their
thoughts and suggestions, via its website and a public forum, on master plan
development. The public forum will be held August 25 at 6 p.m. (EDT) in the
Keeneland Sales Pavilion.
“The citizens of our community, the state, and the Thoroughbred industry have
a sense of ownership in Keeneland, and we respect and embrace that,” Nicholson
said. “Keeneland is an important part of Central Kentucky’s history and
landscape, and we feel all should have a voice in its future.
“I feel we succeeded in applying these same principles to our recent
Polytrack renovation — to continually strive to improve Keeneland but stay true
to its heritage,” he added.
Nicholson acknowledged that he is frequently asked about the possibility of
Keeneland hosting the Breeders’ Cup, and that accommodating the event is an
ancillary aspect of the master plan project.
“We would be honored to host the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland, and we have
asked HOK Sport to build that consideration into their development plans,” he
said. “It would be very exciting to have the championship in Central Kentucky,
and we would be remiss if we didn’t explore the opportunity. The facility review
will provide guidance as to its feasibility.”
HOK Sport, which is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, has designed a
number of high-profile sports venues worldwide during its 25-year history,
including Nationals Park (Washington, DC), PNC Park (Pittsburgh), Pepsi Center
(Denver), Heinz Field (Pittsburgh), Wembley Stadium and Wimbledon (London), and
the new Yankee Stadium (New York City).
The firm also has done similar work for several prominent Thoroughbred
racetracks, such as England’s recently renovated Ascot Racecourse, Happy Valley
Racecourse in Hong Kong, and Australia’s Royal Randwick Racecourse.
“Keeneland is one of the most appreciated legends of Thoroughbred horseracing
— and we will respect her status as we make plans to modernize the racecourse,”
HOK Sport Senior Principal Russ Simons said. “We fully intend to make the most
of our 25-year history and experience in sports facility design to give
Keeneland fans the world over not just a renovated racecourse, but an experience
worthy of their loyalty.”