Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) recently named Steve Roof as general manager of Owensboro Racing and Gaming. As a Kentucky Wesleyan Graduate, Roof is no stranger to the area and looks forward to returning to Owensboro to assume the new role.
“I’m a proud graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College, where I met my wife Greta. We went to school there many years ago,” Roof said. “Kentucky Wesleyan and Owensboro propelled me into adulthood. There are many positive things happening in Owensboro, and we want to be ambassadors who can help continue the growth.”
The entertainment venue on the county’s east side will feature 600 state-of-the-art historical racing machines, a retail sportsbook, simulcast wagering, and multiple food and beverage offerings. Construction is ongoing, and Roof feels confident the destination will open in early 2025.
“It’s going to be a nice entertainment venue and give people another option to spend their entertainment dollars,” he said. “We’re excited about hiring between 150 and 200 team members and looking forward to getting involved with the community and other local business leaders.”
Roof enters the position with more than 30 years of gaming and hospitality experience, most recently as the Senior Director of Finance for Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel — a complex similar to Owensboro’s. While there, executives within the company say he played a pivotal role in leadership development, change management, and building a culture of trust.
“Steve’s leadership will set an elevated standard for this highly anticipated project in Owensboro,” said Maureen Adams, Executive Vice President of Gaming for CDI. “He has earned a favorable reputation over the years for building a positive culture and providing development and growth for employees, which will be of incredible value as we work to build our new team here in the coming months.”
The $100 million project is on 20 acres at the corner of U.S. 60 and Wrights Landing Road, east of Owensboro’s city limits. In a release, CDI said they expect the project to generate $125 million in annual regional economic impact, including 200 construction jobs and 150 permanent jobs.
It will operate as an annex of Ellis Park and support the racetrack’s traditional summer meet in Henderson. Visit owensborogaming.com to learn more.
“I’m honored and excited to continue my career with CDI in a place that feels like home,” Roof said. “I’m eager to get involved in the community, identify, recruit, and hire local talent, and deliver to Owensboro a product that will bring extraordinary benefits, opportunities, and experiences to the area.”
