In Lexington, Kentucky, equine racetrack and auction center Keeneland will mark a new chapter in its guest experience during the 2026 Spring Meet with the debut of interior hospitality spaces.
The collection of dining and gathering venues—designed by locally based designer Matthew Carter—are housed within the Paddock Building, which supports sales, private events, and daily racing operations. On race days, it offers more than 1,000 new public dining tickets with multiple vantage points overlooking the reimagined Saddling Paddock and the Stakes Winner’s Circle.
The new venues at Keeneland Race Course:
1936 Room
Named for the year Keeneland first opened for racing, the 1936 Room features lounge seating, high-top tables, passed heavy hors d’oeuvres, and premium bar service in a reception-style layout.
A defining design moment is the room’s circulation path, which allows jockeys to pass directly through on their way to the Saddling Paddock. Guests also enjoy exclusive access to the adjacent Paddock Lawn, a landscaped green space beside the iconic paddock.
Sycamore Room
Located on the south end of the first floor next to the new Stakes Winner’s Circle, the Sycamore Room takes its name from the historic Sycamore tree that has anchored the paddock since Keeneland’s earliest days. The space offers high-end dining in a setting that balances classic race-day traditions with refined finishes and an elevated atmosphere.
Dogwood Room
Inspired by Kentucky’s flowering Dogwood trees, the Dogwood Room occupies the second floor and overlooks the Saddling Paddock. The spacious venue pairs buffet-style dining with a warm, elegant design that reflects Keeneland’s park-like grounds, giving guests a prime perch to watch pre-race rituals.
Ivy Room
Named for the ivy-covered limestone façades that define Keeneland’s architecture, the Ivy Room offers a more intimate second-floor setting. Designed for private group gatherings, the room mirrors the Dogwood Room’s buffet-style service while delivering a quieter, more traditional dining experience not offered through public ticketing.
The Rooftop
Crowning the Paddock Building on the third floor, the Rooftop introduces two distinct experiences: a fully enclosed premium indoor dining room and a covered outdoor terrace anchored by a focal bar and refined patio seating.
More from HD:
The 50 Most-Anticipated Hotel Openings of 2026
Helle Mardahl’s Delightful Take on Everyday Objects
Trendspotting: Alcohol-Free Bars
