Churchill Downs Incorporated Welcomes SAP as an Official Signature Partner of the Kentucky Derby
In a landmark multi-year agreement, Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), a titan in entertainment experiences and guardian of the venerated Kentucky Derby, has announced SAP America, Inc. as its first-ever official signature and technology partner. The partnership marks a pioneering collaboration between the world-renowned sporting event and SAP, the global leader in enterprise application software. This alliance will not only elevate the experience at Churchill Downs Racetrack but also guide the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks into a new era of technological innovation.
The agreement grants SAP the naming rights for the SAP Starting Gate Suites, an exclusive tower of premium suites that overlook the dynamic races below. Additionally, SAP will be recognized as the presenting partner of the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs mobile applications, promising a significant enhancement in the digital user experience for fans around the world.
“We are thrilled to welcome SAP as a signature partner of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby,” expressed Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI. “SAP is a tremendous global brand that supports our vision to innovate and fuel growth across our businesses. We are excited to have SAP join our iconic brand at the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May.”
From SAP’s perspective, the opportunity to collaborate with one of the most iconic sporting events globally aligns perfectly with their commitment to innovation. “This partnership is a great opportunity for SAP to collaborate with one of the most storied sporting events in the world, the Kentucky Derby,” said Lloyd Adams, President of SAP America. “We are proud to work with partners who share our commitment to innovation and are excited to help CDI leverage SAP’s expertise and technology to support the growth of their company.”
About Churchill Downs Incorporated
With nearly 150 years of creating extraordinary entertainment experiences under its belt, Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) is a behemoth in the entertainment and racing industry. From its inception with the Kentucky Derby, CDI has grown exponentially, venturing into live and historical racing entertainment, online horse wagering through TwinSpires, and expanding into regional casino gaming properties. Spanning across various sectors, CDI continues to uphold its legacy in Louisville, Kentucky, striving towards innovation and excellence in entertainment.
About Churchill Downs Racetrack
Home to the longest continually held annual sporting event in the United States since 1875, Churchill Downs Racetrack stands as a monument of horse racing history. Beyond hosting the prestigious Kentucky Oaks and Derby Week, Churchill Downs is a beacon for Thoroughbred horse racing, attracting spectators worldwide. With a sprawling 175 acres featuring a one-mile dirt track and a 7/8-mile turf track, the facility is equipped to accommodate 1,400 horses and includes a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. Its legacy is a testament to the enduring allure of horse racing in American culture.
About SAP
SAP’s vision to empower businesses to run as intelligent, sustainable enterprises has positioned it as a leader in enterprise application software. Serving companies across 26 industries globally, SAP’s technologies, including machine learning, IoT, and advanced analytics, transform business processes. By simplifying technology consumption, SAP fosters collaboration and provides deep business insights, enabling both private and public sector customers to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.
The partnership between Churchill Downs Incorporated and SAP is set to redefine the technological landscape of horse racing entertainment, merging tradition with innovation to create a future where the Kentucky Derby continues to captivate and enchant audiences, both on and off the track.
