Cisco (Nasdaq: CSCO) and Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI” or “the Company”) (Nasdaq: CHDN) today announced a multi-year partnership to significantly enhance the networking capabilities at the historic Churchill Downs Racetrack (“Churchill Downs”). As the Official Enterprise Networking and Network Infrastructure Partner of the Kentucky Derby, Cisco’s industry-leading AI-ready secure networking platform and solutions will bring simplicity, visibility, reliability and protection across the organization’s expansive digital footprint.
This partnership represents a significant investment in the future of connectivity at Churchill Downs, designed to support next-generation fan experiences at future Kentucky Derby Weeks and other year-round events. The network refresh — spanning more than 7,000 switches and a modernized routing fabric — will deliver high-speed, high-capacity connectivity across all CDI properties built for performance at scale for one of the world’s largest sporting events.
With 12 regional casinos and 18 live and historical racing venues, CDI operates a large and complex network environment. By consolidating capabilities under Cisco Catalyst Center, the Company will enhance visibility, security and control while delivering faster, more reliable connectivity across all locations. Throughout the partnership, Cisco and CDI will continue to advance wireless and routing innovations to further strengthen speed, performance and digital resilience across the enterprise.
“This partnership with Cisco reflects our commitment to providing a world-class experience for our guests by modernizing and connecting our core technology platforms across networking, security, and observability,” said Nate Simon, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at CDI. “With Cisco’s technology, we will deliver faster, more connected experiences across our properties, while enhancing security and ensuring reliable operations — from everyday guest interactions to the scale of the Kentucky Derby.”
For the 350,000+ fans who attend the Kentucky Derby Week events each year, this network upgrade will ensure a seamless digital experience — from mobile ticketing and high-speed access to betting platforms like TwinSpires.com to the ability to share high-definition content in real-time. For Churchill Downs staff, the modernized infrastructure provides the reliable, high-speed connectivity required for point-of-sale systems to process food and beverage and wagering transactions without interruption, significantly reducing wait times and ensuring that operations run with the precision expected of the world’s most iconic horse race and cultural event.
“Racetracks like Churchill Downs don’t just require speed on the track — they demand it from their networks,” said Anurag Dhingra, SVP & GM, Enterprise Connectivity & Collaboration, Cisco. “Cisco’s networking technology delivers real-time, reliable connectivity that keeps every moment, from the grandstands to the winner’s circle, running flawlessly.”
CDI will leverage Cisco's unified on-premises networking platform, powered by Catalyst Center, to centrally manage, secure and automate its enterprise network. With Catalyst Center, CDI can streamline operations through zero-touch provisioning, policy-based automation, and orchestrated rolling upgrades that help minimize disruption while maintaining reliable connectivity across its venues. Cisco Success Tracks will further support CDI with efficient asset tracking and proactive software management for secure, high-performing network operations. Use of Splunk Observability Cloud will ensure greater digital resiliency across the entire CDI digital environment, including the performance of TwinSpires and Churchill Downs application infrastructure throughout the year to deliver a seamless user experience, especially on peak days during Kentucky Derby Week.
For more than a decade, marquee sports teams, events, organizations and venues around the world have relied on Cisco technology and expertise, including McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, Real Madrid F.C., United States Golf Association (USGA), Live Nation Entertainment, Madison Square Garden and many more.
