Churchill Downs Incorporated Advances Relocation Plans for Expanded Historical Racing Venue in Henry County

Churchill Downs Incorporated has received local zoning approval to move its existing historical racing machine venue in Henry County, Virginia from the current Rosie's Game Room location in Collinsville to a larger site north of the U.S. Route 58 Bypass and east of Old Greensboro Road, and the new facility sits near NASCAR's Martinsville Speedway, which places it in a high-traffic corridor that already draws regional visitors.

The relocation expands capacity from the present 37 historical racing machines to 150 machines while adding simulcast racing along with food and beverage service options, and Henry County Board of Zoning Appeals granted the required Special Use Permit after reviewing the company's application for the expanded operation.

Current Operation and Relocation Details

Rosie's Game Room currently operates with 37 historical racing machines in Collinsville, and the company intends to shift the entire entertainment venue to the new address where the increased machine count and additional amenities can serve a broader audience, yet design work and final construction plans remain in progress with no opening date set at this stage.

Observers note that the chosen site benefits from proximity to Martinsville Speedway because the racetrack already attracts large crowds on event weekends, which creates natural foot traffic that the expanded venue can capture without requiring extensive new marketing efforts from the operator.

Company Statement on Virginia Investment

CDI Chief Executive Officer Bill Carstanjen stated that the project represents continued investment in Virginia operations and aims to draw more visitors while supporting local economic activity through job creation and increased tourism spending, and company materials emphasize that the move aligns with broader growth strategies in the state.

According to the official company update, the Special Use Permit approval clears a key regulatory hurdle, although teh project still requires additional design finalization and permitting steps before construction can begin in earnest.

Those familiar with Virginia's historical racing machine regulations understand that such venues must meet specific zoning and operational standards set by county authorities, and the Henry County approval process included public review sessions where the board evaluated traffic impact, noise, and compatibility with surrounding land uses before granting the permit.

Project Timeline and Next Steps

Design teams continue refining architectural and operational plans for the new facility, and once those drawings receive final approval the company expects to move forward with construction, although the absence of an announced opening date reflects the current focus on completing detailed engineering work rather than rushing the build-out.

People involved in similar projects in other Virginia counties have seen that expanded historical racing machine venues often include dedicated simulcast areas where patrons can watch live races from multiple tracks, and the Henry County site will incorporate those features alongside the larger machine floor and refreshed food and beverage offerings.

Yet the project remains in the pre-construction phase, which means local residents and business owners along the Route 58 corridor will continue to monitor updates from both the company and county planning staff as additional permits move through the review process.

Economic Context for Henry County

Henry County officials have previously supported gaming-related developments when they demonstrate measurable benefits for employment and tax revenue, and the CDI expansion aligns with that pattern by promising increased visitor spending at nearby businesses, although the precise number of new jobs and projected tax impact will become clearer once construction schedules and staffing plans are finalized.

Research from regional economic development groups shows that entertainment venues located near established attractions such as Martinsville Speedway tend to benefit from shared customer bases, and the new CDI location leverages that existing draw while providing an additional reason for out-of-town visitors to extend their stays in teh area.

Conclusion

The approved relocation of the historical racing machine venue from Collinsville to the new site near Martinsville Speedway marks a measurable increase in Churchill Downs Incorporated's physical presence in Henry County, Virginia, and the move from 37 machines to 150 machines with added simulcast and dining options follows directly from the Special Use Permit granted by the county zoning board. Company leadership has framed the project as part of ongoing investment in the state, while design and planning work continues without a public opening date. Further updates from CDI and Henry County planning documents will provide additional clarity on construction timelines and operational launch once those details are confirmed.