Spalding University
Day at the Downs
Sunday, May 17, 2026
11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Join alumni, faculty, staff, students, and community friends for one of Spalding’s most exciting and beloved traditions.
Spalding University’s largest annual gathering of alumni and friends returns to the Spring Meet in a new location.
Join us at Club SI for an exciting celebration at the track!
Your attendance supports Spalding Students! Net proceeds from this even go toward our Blue and Gold Fund, which supports student needs across campus.
DATE AND TIME:
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2026 | 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
LOCATION:
Club SI
Churchill Downs
700 Central Ave
Louisville, KY 40208
EVENT CALENDAR:
Gates Open and Chef’s Table Starts – 11:30 AM
First Post – 12:45 PM
Raffle Drawing – 4:00 PM
Auction Closes – 4:30 PM
Final Post (Race 9) – 4:55 PM
PARKING AND ARRIVAL:
Enter through the Paddock Gate
Yellow, Blue, Orange, Turquoise, and Green Lot are Free to Park for guests
Orange and Green Lots are closest to our event
Club SI Amenities
- All-Inclusive Food Menu
- Enjoy a Chef’s Table Buffet and unlimited soft beverages. Please note that alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the cash bar.
- Views directly into the Paddock Stalls and Paddock Runway from inside the dining room
- Private betting parlor with live mutuel tellers and self-wagering machines
- Trackside outdoor viewing from private Courtyard during live racing
Club SI Dress Code
Do’s: Jackets and blazers optional. Vests, shirts with collars, sweaters, dresses, pantsuits, dress jeans, dress shorts and slacks are appropriate.
Don’ts: Cargo shorts, t-shirts, crop or midriff tops, athletic wear, swim wear, frayed or torn denim or shorts, and tennis shoes are considered inappropriate attire.
The accommodations, food, auction items, and fellowship is outstanding and we look forward to reserving a table and bringing friends and family members each year!
John Casper, Ed.D. ’99
Sponsors (Thank you!)
Pelican Sponsors
Kellie and John Sheryak
Gold Sponsors
Audrey Haynes ’83
Stan Moore
Blue Sponsors
Big 4 Insurance
Schmidt Associates
BluMine Health
Small College Consulting
Tom Sims
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorships allow you to make the biggest impact on students. Each sponsorship helps strengthen our academic programs through equipment or departmental needs, provide scholarships and financial aid to directly impact students, or support student success programs that provide our students with key services to help them make the most of their college experience.
All sponsorship packages include your choice of a centrally located table of 8 or a premier window table of 6. They also include admission to Churchill Downs and Club SI, as well as lunch, silent auction, raffle and all other events. In addition, each level has specific benefits.
Pelican Sponsor – $5,000
- 2 tables (1 Premium by window (6) and 1 Centralized (8) at the event (up to 14 guests)
- Logo on table signages
- Premium logo placement on all event materials (signage, invitations to alums, table toppers, website)
- Acknowledgment during opening remarks (ability to address the attendees)
- Recognition in Spring 2027 Spalding Magazine Donor Honor Roll
- Publicity on social media outlets regarding event
Gold Sponsor – $2,500
- Choose a premium 6 top or Centralized 8 top table
- Logo on Table Signage
- Logo Placement on event signage, table toppers and website
- Publicity on social media outlets
- Recognition in the Spring 2027 Spalding Magazine Donor Honor Roll
Blue Sponsor – $1,500
- Choose either premium 6 top or centralized 8 top table
- Logo on table signage
- Inclusion of company name on some event materials and website
- Publicity on social media outlets
- Recognition in the Spring 2027 Spalding Magazine Donor Honor Roll
50/50 Split the Pot Raffle
$20 per ticket
Drawing at 4:00 PM
Be part of the energy of Spalding University Day at the Downs and take your shot at a winning ticket. One lucky winner will receive 50% of all raffle ticket proceeds, and every ticket purchased helps support Spalding students.
Gaming License: ORG0002347
2026 Day at the Downs Auction Details
The silent auction will open May 8. Items include fun local outings, bourbon tours, and tickets to Bourbon and Beyond.
Do you have an item or experience to donate for the silent auction? Click here to complete the form to let us know and someone will follow up with you to schedule a pickup or get the details.
