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The venue

About Kentucky Downs

Welcome to Kentucky Downs, a European-style, all-turf Thoroughbred racecourse located at 5629 Nashville Road, Franklin, KY 42134. Known for a seven-day all-grass meet held in late summer, the venue hosts notable races such as the Kentucky Turf Cup, Nashville Derby, Music City Stakes, and the Kentucky Downs Ladies Sprint Stakes. The course was renamed Kentucky Downs in 1998, previously known as Dueling Grounds Race Course. In 2023, the Mint Event Center opened on-site, offering versatile space for events up to 445 attendees and a 5,000 sq ft footprint. Whether you’re visiting for a race day or a private event, we’ve got you covered with seating options, parking details, transportation tips, and nearby hotel and dining recommendations to help you secure your seats with ease.

Seating at Kentucky Downs includes reserved options like the Finish Line Pavilion (open-air) and the air-conditioned VIP Chalet, along with non-reservable seating in the Stretch Run tent. Parking is free, making arrival smooth and stress-free. Transit options are limited in the area, so plan accordingly with ride-hailing apps or a pre-arranged pickup. The on-site SpringHill Suites by Marriott at Kentucky Downs provides convenient lodging with 114 rooms, while additional nearby hotels in Franklin (and the broader Bowling Green area) offer more choices.

Local dining and lodging partners can enhance your visit. We highlight affiliate recommendations for hotels and restaurants to help you secure reliable options close to the venue. Whether you’re planning a race-day trip or a private event in the Mint Event Center, Kentucky Downs offers a unique, accessible experience with space for groups up to 445 and weddings up to 300 guests.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Address: 5629 Nashville Road, Franklin, KY 42134.
  • Venue type: European-style, all-turf Thoroughbred racecourse.
  • Race meet: seven-day all-grass meet held in late summer.
  • Notable races: Kentucky Turf Cup, Nashville Derby, Music City Stakes, and Kentucky Downs Ladies Sprint Stakes.
  • Renamed: originally Dueling Grounds Race Course; renamed Kentucky Downs in 1998.
  • Mint Event Center: opened 2023; capacity up to 445 attendees for events; 5,000 sq ft space.
  • Weddings capacity: up to 300 guests; on-site capacity charts show 5,000 sq ft for events, 114 hotel rooms, and groups up to 445.
  • On-site hotel: SpringHill Suites by Marriott at Kentucky Downs, 114 rooms.
  • Parking: parking is free at Kentucky Downs.
  • Transit: Uber/Lyft services are limited in the area.
  • Reserved seating: Finish Line Pavilion (open-air) and VIP Chalet (air-conditioned) available; Stretch Run tent is non-reservable seating.
  • Nearby hotels: Hampton Inn Franklin (off I-65, near the grounds); other options include Econo Lodge Franklin South and more in Franklin/Bowling Green.