High def video board for Twin Spires

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Louisville, KY (SportsNetwork.com) - Historic Churchill Downs has agreed to install a massive high definition video board along the backstretch.

The $12 million, 15,224-square-foot Panasonic board will be installed in time for the 140th Kentucky Derby on May 3 and Kentucky Oaks the day prior. It will be placed about midway along the backstretch and outside the main dirt course.

"Since 2005 we have invested over $160 million in improving our fans' experience," said Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack. "Along with our current $15 million Grandstand Terrace project we are investing over $27 million this year to make Churchill Downs not only the best venue for Thoroughbred racing's biggest events, the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, but one of the premier sports and entertainment venues anywhere in the world."

The board will be 171 feet wide by 170 feet high and will be 80 feet above the ground "making it the largest high definition video board currently constructed anywhere in the world."

The video board is expected to be debuted at "Opening Night" of Derby Week on Saturday, April 26, 2014.