The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approved a license Friday for a racetrack in Oak Grove that will be a joint venture between Keeneland and Churchill Downs and the local tourism director believes it will mean big things for Oak Grove and Christian County.
Oak Grove Tourism Director Traci Cunningham believes the track and gambling parlor will be the big draw their city hasn’t had in the past when it opens next year.
She expects additional growth to come in Oak Grove and Christian County because of the racetrack.
Cunningham says Oak Grove will do whatever it takes to be ready for the $150 million economic development project.
The facility will be located near the intersection of Fort Campbell Boulevard and Thompsonville Lane.
It will create around 400 full and part time jobs and approximately 800 construction jobs. The project includes a historical racing machine facility featuring up to 1,500 machines, a 125-room hotel with event center and food venues, a 1,200-person seated capacity grandstand, a 3,000-person capacity outdoor amphitheater and stage and an equestrian center including indoor and outdoor arenas.
The live racing plan calls for up to 30 days of racing and a stable area with 450 stalls.