Proposed Sports Entertainment District Would Be A Hit
The new addition would offer a mix of housing, retail, hospitality and entertainment options
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (December 2, 2024) – Louisville’s Mayor Craig Greenberg announced a transformative new mixed-use development proposal adjacent to Louisville Slugger Field, home to the city’s minor league Louisville Bats team.
The proposed Louisville Sports Entertainment District is part of ongoing revitalization efforts to create a more vibrant, healthy, and connected downtown and would offer a mix of housing, retail, hospitality, and entertainment options. If realized, the project would activate a currently underutilized space to create a vital connection point for the community between downtown, Butchertown, NuLu, and Waterfront Park.
With over 500,000 square-feet of mixed-use development, the District would be a unique destination for the Louisville community, featuring well-amenitized residences, a full-service boutique hotel, office and meeting spaces, retail shops, a revitalized entrance to Slugger Field, and on-site parking – all steps away from the iconic downtown ballpark.
The development would generate jobs, boost local business, attract new talent, and create a vibrant community atmosphere. Specific details of the project are yet to be confirmed as the public review and approvals process is set to begin imminently.
"The proposed district represents a significant investment in the continued transformation of our Downtown core,” said Rebecca Fleischaker, executive director of Louisville Downtown Partnership. “This project would add needed residential development, with entertainment and hospitality options, and would become a new destination, as well as add density to this area, improving vibrancy and perception of safety.”
The proposal is a joint venture between Louisville Bats’ owner Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) and Machete Group, an industry leader specializing in the planning and development of sports and entertainment venues and adjacent mixed-use projects. Louisville Metro Government is working with DBH and Machete on a draft development agreement that would outline potential public participation in the proposed District.