Churchill Downs Racetrack, Along with Three Other Louisville Attractions, Named to USA Today’s 10Best List for Sports Fans

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (August 27, 2025)— Churchill Downs Racetrack (“Churchill Downs”) has been named one of the top five sports attractions in the country, according to USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Ranked #5 on the list, the historic racetrack joins three other Louisville institutions in a remarkable showing that highlights the city’s national reputation as a premier destination for sports fans.

“Churchill Downs, home to ‘The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,’ is proud to be ranked among the top five sports attractions in the nation,” said Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “As the site of the longest continually held sporting event in the U.S., this recognition celebrates Louisville’s rich tradition of sports and hospitality. We’re honored to stand alongside other iconic destinations that make our city such a dynamic place to visit.”

Following a month of online voting, three fellow Louisville attractions join Churchill Downs on the list. They include:

• Kentucky Derby Museum (#2): Celebrating its 40th anniversary with a record-breaking 260,000 guests, the Derby Museum is the only place where fans can experience the thrill of Derby every day – exploring 151 years of champions, fashion, culture, and racing history.
• Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory (#4): Ranked #5 on last year’s 10Best list, the museum gives baseball fans a behind-the-scenes look at how America’s most legendary bat is made, while honoring some of the sport’s greatest players.
• Muhammad Ali Center (#10): Celebrating its 20th anniversary this November, the Ali Center is a powerful cultural attraction that honors the life, values, and legacy of Muhammad Ali – Louisville’s native son and global sports icon.

Together, these four attractions showcase the depth and diversity of Louisville’s sports heritage — from baseball to boxing to horse racing. With sports tourism generating over $45 billion annually in the U.S., Louisville’s presence on the 10Best list reinforces its status as a vibrant, must-visit city for sports fans everywhere.

This national recognition affirms Churchill Downs’ enduring legacy as a cornerstone of Louisville’s sports culture and a premier destination for fans of world-class athletic tradition.