Take a look at Keeneland’s new spring dining options — and what they’ll cost you
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Keeneland opens Paddock Building dining and rooftop bar for April 2026 meet.
- More than 1,000 public dining tickets priced $100–$200; all go on sale Feb. 17.
- Multiple general-admission rooms offer varied food, seating and viewing options.
New hospitality options are opening at Keeneland for the spring meet in April.
The Lexington racetrack will debut new dining rooms, including a rooftop dining space and bar, on the Paddock Building, which sits between the saddling paddock and the sales pavilion.
Construction on the $93 million expansion began in 2024. The exterior of the Paddock Building was completed in time for the fall meet, but not open to the public. This spring will be the first time tickets are sold for the new spaces.
“The Paddock Building represents an investment in the Thoroughbred industry and furthers Keeneland’s mission to support and grow the sport,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “It speaks to our confidence in racing’s future while creating new, meaningful ways to engage guests year-round. These new venues will enrich the experience for racing fans, sales customers and special event guests and allow us to further showcase the very best of Keeneland’s world-renowned hospitality.”
The building will be open year-round for sales and private events, as well as during racing. It will make available more than 1,000 new public dining tickets (but not seats) in an elegant atmosphere from Lexington-based designer Matthew Carter.
All tickets for the meet, which is April 3 to 24, will go sale Feb. 17 beginning at 9 a.m at tickets.keeneland.com. Regular trackside dining, grandstand reserved seating and general admission tickets will be available.
Keeneland also is changing the dress code for the trackside Phoenix Room to “business formal,” according to a news release.
Tickets for the new spaces are priced between $100 and $200 per person, depending on the day of the week. Opening day is higher, as well.
What do those prices get you? Well, lovely views of the horses in the saddling paddock, but no direct view of the races (although there will be plenty of screens to watch on).
Also, in some places the price does not include food, although it may be available for purchase. It also might not offer seating: The 1936 Room is general admission, listed as standing room only; there are seats, but you aren’t going to have a reserved place to sit.
Dress for all the new spaces is business casual — think trousers and dress shirts, and dresses and skirts, but ties are not mandatory. Forbidden items include denim of any color or type, shorts, rompers, athletic attire, athleisure/leggings, visible midriffs, flip-flops and clothing with offensive or explicit messaging.
The 1936 Room, named for the year of Keeneland’s founding, is $150 Wednesday and Thursday, $175 Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and $200 on opening Saturday. The space is general admission but offers an all-inclusive food and bar package, Paddock Lawn access and a program.
“Heavy hors d’oeuvres and premium bar service in a reception-style setting,” Keeneland said of the offerings. Jockeys will pass through the room on their way to the saddling paddock before each race.
The Sycamore Room, honoring the iconic sycamore tree in Keeneland’s paddock, is $100 Wednesday and Thursday, $125 Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and $150 on opening Saturday. It’s also general admission entry, but you get a reserved table and a program.
Food and beverages are a la carte, meaning purchased separately. The menu is “high-end dining featuring classic American cuisine,” according to Keeneland. It’s on the south end of the first floor of the Paddock Building, next to the new Stakes Winner’s Circle.
The Dogwood Room, named for the flowering dogwood trees throughout the track, is $125 Wednesday and Thursday, $150 Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and $175 opening Saturday. This is general admission, with a reserved table, traditional buffet-style dining and a program. A la carte snacks and beverages are also available for purchase. It’s on the second floor overlooking the saddling paddock.
The Rooftop, which includes the dining room and the bar, is $100 Wednesday and Thursday, $125 Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and $150 opening Saturday. Both are general admission entry with reserved tables and a program. Food and beverages are available for purchase separately.
These are on the third floor, fully enclosed and climate controlled, “with sweeping views of the paddock.”
