LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Churchill Downs wants to permanently close some streets to expand their parking lots.
The track has filed paperwork with the city to close about a dozen streets and alleys on the west side of the track to make way for an expanded parking lot and landscaping.
Neighbors of the track say the existing gravel lots are an eyesore and are happy to see a plan to improve the area.
The street closures come after Churchill Downs spent $13 million on real estate purchases around the track over the last year.
There are currently 5,000 parking spots at the track and Churchill Downs officials are only saying the expansion will add a "substantial" amount to that number.