Churchill Downs to build $12 million video board

The bottom edge of the 171-foot wide video board will be 80 feet above the

ground and will top out at 170 feet in height making it the largest high

definition video board currently constructed anywhere in the world. The video

board and supporting steel structure will weigh over 1,000,000 pounds and must

be capable of withstanding winds of up to 85 miles per hour.

Safety of jockeys and horses have been paramount in the design and

engineering of this project with the location, height, overall size and actual

video board LED design all focused on avoiding disruptions to the conduct of a

race.

So, just how big is the "Big Board"? It's bigger than:

" 3 NBA basketball courts,

" 5 average size U.S. homes,

" 2,200 46-inch flat-screen TVs, and

" 320,000 Apple iPhone 5 screens

The software and equipment that will control the Big Board will allow for

multiple split-screen presentations of video, images, data and innovative live

and recorded programming. Churchill Downs also will add full-1080i fixed and

mobile HD cameras and a new audio system to deliver state-of-the-art picture and

sound quality to its fans.

"Since 2005 we have invested over $160 million in improving our fans'

experience," said Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs. "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."

"We are thrilled to have this opportunity to work with Churchill Downs to

bring true 21st Century video technology to the 140th Kentucky Derby, the

longest continuously conducted sporting event in the country," said Richard

Ballard, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Panasonic Eco Solutions North

America.

Preliminary design and engineering work are already underway. Installation

work will begin in December and completed during the January 1 to mid-March period

when the track is closed to training and no horses are stabled on the track's

grounds. Current plans are to unveil the Big Board to the public at Opening

Night of Derby Week on April 26, 2014, in a dazzling nighttime

display of the Big Board's technological capabilities.

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