How Schwank Infrared Heating & Smart Controls Elevated Guest Comfort at Churchill Downs
Louisville, Kentucky, USA
About the facility –
All guests who walk through the gates of the most iconic sporting venues in the world — Churchill Downs — will experience the new paddock area.
In redesigning the paddock and guest zones, Churchill Downs faced typical high-ceiling, open-air challenges: how to deliver meaningful heat in large volumes without wasting energy. This redesign project, where Schwank’s advanced infrared heating and control technology transforms fan comfort, operational efficiency, and ROI.
Can you spot the Schwank Infrared throughout this video? Watch now to see real results and how your venue or facility can benefit too.
Watch the full case study –
In this video case study, you’ll see –
- How Schwank’s infrared systems create instant radiant heat in open, high-volume spaces — helping provide comfort even in variable weather.
- Smart control integration that allows venue management to monitor and optimize heating zones, guest comfort, and cost efficiency.
- The real-world impact at Churchill Downs: improved guest experience, longer visit times, and energy efficiency.
- Why this matters for large-scale venues, hospitality spaces, and outdoor premium areas: when guests are comfortable, they stay longer, spend more, and leave with a positive impression.
Explore the Schwank equipment featured in the project –
Schwank deployed its high-performance infrared heaters (gas and electric variants), paired with our Schwank.ONE smart control system and TruTemp thermostats. These systems deliver targeted radiant heat, warming people and surfaces directly rather than simply heating the air (a hallmark of infrared technology).
- sportSchwank Infrared Heaters
- eSchwank Electric Infrared Heaters
- supremeSchwank Infrared Heaters
- Schwank.ONE
- TruTemp IR Thermostat
The results –
More consistent comfort across guest areas, improved operational efficiency, and a design aesthetic that aligns with the Churchill Downs brand. Guests notice the difference; operations teams notice the cost savings.
See Schwank products in action! Picture gallery.
The impact –
For stadiums, outdoor hospitality, premium seating zones, and high-volume venues, the right climate system doesn’t just keep folks comfortable — it drives longer stays, better satisfaction, and higher revenue per guest. Schwank’s infrared + control solution is built for that.
Takeaways for your project –
- Consider radiant (infrared) heating for large, open volumes rather than traditional forced-air systems.
- Smart controls = optimized zones = cost savings.
