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The 2024 Kentucky Derby is today! What a busy weekend! I'm busy here in NYC today but this evening I plan to be home in plenty of time to hear My Old Kentucky Home! I always cry. I lived in Kentucky ten years. In my opinion the horses and horse atmosphere throughout the countryside is the most beautiful thing to see. As a child my father always had special treats for my mother and me on derby day. We would each pick a winner and bet a nominal amount on the race. It made a fun day. I'm going to be there in spirit so please post photos if you go today! I'm jealous......this is a beautiful fun filled festival day!!
TURN OFF THE GENERAL ADMISSION AREA MUSIC!! or at least turn it down. The club music is the only thing you hear, I have no idea what the people on the main screen with the announcers and everything else were saying!! Instead I have to listen to extremely loud club music. Derby BE BETTER
I attended the 2024 Oaks yesterday and here's what has changed that you should know about since my review 8 years ago. 1. Still dress up! It's so fun. But that being said, if you don't feel like it, and you're in the Infield, any attire works. You'll see it all in the Infield. If you have seat tickets...you're gonna look out of place not dressed up. 2. Comfort first. Yeah, this hasn't changed at all. Do yourself a favor and wear comfortable shoes!! Please for the love of God. 3. Parking. This HAS changed quite a bit. Parking permits can be purchased online through Churchill's website/their official partner Ticketmaster. Permits are physical only so there was a cut off date to buy permits by so they could be mailed to you. I missed this deadline, but thankfully my husband played chauffeur and dropped me and my friend off and picked us up. El Nopal at the corner of Crittenden and Central Ave was an easy place for this if you need a location suggestion. It was about a 1 mile walk to Churchill. The fee to park in the L&N Stadium (formerly Papa John's Stadium) has jumped from $15 to $40. I'm not sure where you purchase these permits however. Maybe on-site? Parking at the Expo Center is now included in certain ticket types. It is NOT included in Infield tickets sadly. 4. What to pack. You are still allowed to bring food in ONLY if you have Infield tickets. Food must fit into a gallon sized Ziplock OR into your bag. You can't bring in multiple bags, just one. The bag size limit is 12" x 6" x 12". You will go through security so be prepared for this. It's just a metal detector and some bored employees. You are only allowed TWO unopened water bottles, max 24 oz. Definitely bring a disposable poncho just in case. If you're in the Infield and there's a chance of rain, I suggest bringing a tarp. Max size 10' x 10'. It's great to both sit on and hide under during a downpour. Speaking from experience yesterday. Portable camping chairs are also allowed in the Infield, you'll just have to take them out of the case for security. 5. Cash. Churchill Downs concessions are now all cashless. Major change. Betting is still done with cash however. Or you can use the Twinspires app. That's what I did to avoid having to walk to the wagering booths a million times. Drinks are expensive. Cocktails are $22. Beer is $13-14. White Claws are $14. Expect to spend a ton if you're buying numerous drinks. If your ticket has food and drinks included, well then good for you. Take advantage of that. 6. Betting. Like I said above, cash is needed to place bets or download the Twinspires app. I placed one bet after I left the track yesterday and did not win, alas. 7. Attitude. Same advice as before. Churchill is an experience like no other. Prepare to see anything and everything and have fun! Also be safe.
Glad to be back after a couple of canceled or limited Covid Derby's.... there has been some really nice changes! First of all... they got the parking down! Those who have parking passes get to park in a lot (such as the Expo) and take a bus pretty much to the front door. Buses run continuously, however some of the buses are school buses with TINY seats. Depending when you leave the race, you will be in some pretty long lines to get back to your car... but it still beats trying to find an Uber or taxi and the long walks from the taxi drop off area, or from some of the other parking lots. Bottom line here... get a parking pass from Churchill Downs. It's so worth it. Another MAJOR change is the "all-inclusive" ticketing. With your ticket, you now get "free" food and drinks throughout the day. To be honest... I was really worried about this new idea for many reasons. 1) was sure they would kind of limit food and drinks somehow (but I didn't see any evidence of this.... Except some long lines at times). 2) overly drunk people because of said free drinks (saw some of this... but not really different than other years ) Overall, I think this change also worked pretty well. I still am not that impressed with the increased attendance over the years. (Now well over 150,000). The masses can be a bit overwhelming, especially when it rains and so many try to get underneath for cover. Lines to bet and get food and drink can get pretty long. The bathrooms (especially the women's) lines are crazy long. The Derby is really a "bucket list" event. Even for those who do not care about the actual race. It is a big party with some of the best people watching entertainment around. Many people really go all out! Men with colorful suits, some with horse prints or other crazy themes. And the women ... Hats, Fascinators, Dresses can be pretty remarkable. There is so much to look at besides the actual races! If you ever get to go, be prepared for the masses. Have a couple of Mint Julip's and be ready to be part of the heard, dress snazzy and hopefully hit a couple of winners throughout the day. You will have fun!
My husband and I recently had the pleasure of attending the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, and it was an experience like no other. We went to the Churchill Downs on May 6th, and we were fortunate enough to receive free tickets from a kind stranger who couldn't attend the event due to a friend's emergency. We sold our general admission tickets on the spot to a scalper, receiving the money we had initially put in for the tickets, and we got it back. The tickets we received provided us access to the clubhouse section of the stadium, where there was a private area with six seats that overlooked the track. We shared this space with just the two of us, despite it being available for six people. The section we were in was covered, which was perfect as it provided protection against the elements that day. The area was at the top of the clubhouse section, which gave us a bird's eye view of everything, albeit it was the nosebleed section, but it was still incredible. One of the highlights of our day was the camaraderie amongst the attendees. We enjoyed talking to people from different parts of the country and experiencing the event together. Many people around us also attended the Kentucky Derby for the first time, and it was great to exchange stories and share our experiences. We had a bit of trouble navigating around Churchill Downs, which caused us some frustration. But we eventually found our way around the venue before the end of the day. The crowds just made it a bit overwhelming to navigate. Despite the challenge of navigating the venue, Churchill Downs did a fantastic job organizing the event. The countdown before each race kept everyone informed on when the next race began, which was helpful. We also appreciated the free food and drinks that were available, which added to our enjoyment of the event. Mint julep, anyone? We received some souvenir glasses. We also tried several other beverages, including an Old Fashioned and an Oak Lilly. The Oak Lilly was basically vodka cranberry with a spritz of blackberry in it. Dress to impress. Look at the website if you wonder what to wear and do a Google search. It is common place to wear over-the-top guady hats. They're amazing! You should totally go all out, and get creative with your outfits. This is applicable for men and women to go all out with your wardrobe to the Kentucky Derby. The only downside was the long lines. We had to queue for everything, from drinks to betting, which could be exhausting. But once we settled into our seats, we enjoyed an incredible view of the racetrack and the races, which made up for the long waits. Truth be told, I missed a race due to going to concessions, so I didn't have to deal with the lines. In terms of logistics, parking at Churchill Downs was expensive, and attendees have to pay $60 for a ride-share pass. We parked at the Cardinal Stadium parking lot, which cost us $40, and walked about a mile to the venue. We clocked in 11,000 steps. Our feet hurt because we didn't have proper shoes. I can't emphasize enough on how important it is to have propert shoes. Have an extra set of shoes to walk in when leaving the venue so you don't have the pain thereafter. We highly recommend Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby event. Despite some challenges, such as long lines and expensive parking, the venue and the overall ambiance of the event were fantastic. We enjoyed the camaraderie with fellow attendees, and the live races were unforgettable. The Kentucky Derby is an absolute must-see event for anyone visiting the US.
This year's Derby was amazing 150 anniversary. The experience is unique. Food and drinks were fantastic! I will highly recommend this event. We had tickets for the Oaks and Derby. Oaks is more relax day and you have a little bit of more room to walk and watch the horses. We were in section 323. I would not recommend anything lower than the 300 section. A lot of people smoking around you so if you are allergic or can't tolerate smoke this is not the event for you.
Beautiful sight. We drove by on our way through town. We didn't get to tour the museum because it was too late. The place is beautiful on the outside and stands out. We will do the museum next time but from the outside looking in this place is top class beauty.
I had always been an Oaks-goer for nearly all of my life. Why? The crowds I went with always described it as the "tamer" version of Derby, however I was curious to try out the real thing. So last year, I splurged on a dress, splurged on a hat, and crossed another item off of my bucket list. The Kentucky Derby is such a unique event of it's own. It's absolutely beautiful how so many from all over the world come to Louisville for this 2 minute horse race. After finally going, I never want to stop. I've been a Louisvillian my whole life, so I know how exciting it is every year come Spring. It's not a cheap event. Not at all. I'm incredibly lucky and have a family member who can get me into general admission for free, which usually is around $50. However, I still think the experience is worth the price. If you're looking for a more luxurious time, you can try the Grandstand or Millionaire's Row, with tickets that can range up to $12,000. This also isn't an event you should wait last minute for by no means - The longer you wait, the more you'll probably pay for admission. Churchill Downs will get crazy packed, but it's one hell of a party. I've only experienced Derby from the infield, but it's still a great area to have a good time. It's all just one big area you can walk around, however many bring blankets or chairs to sit on. Bring extra money...LOTS of extra money..especially if you are drinking. Signature drinks like the Lillies, Mint Julips and Bourbon Slushies will easily cost you $10 a pop. Also plan on how much you'll be betting, with 12 different races you can bet as little as $2. There's also memorabilia and food that'll be pricey too. The reason why I can't give the beloved Derby 5 stars is because there are some annoying times. SO many people will be sloppy drunk, there will be garbage everywhere and you will often feel claustrophobic. Not reasons not to go, but just be aware that it's not totally perfect out there. All in all, I feel so incredibly lucky to easily be able to attend this event in the Ville, and I can't wait for so many more years (and hats!) to come.
After six years of going to Derby, there is always something new to see and new memories to make. I hope that after living in this city for several more decades, I still look forward to Derby as much as I do now. But rather than write a poor imitation of Hunter S. Thompson's "The Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved" -- yes, the fancy people can be found puking up their mint juleps if you look for it, and the infield can be a debaucherous mess full of bourbon Slip 'N' Slides -- I'm using this review to share a few things I've learned about Derby. So here are some tips to help you come out of Derby with (most) of your money, with all of the items you walked into Churchill Downs with and with a pleasant memory to look back on. The first is kind of obvious but bears repeating: Don't bet more than what you're comfortable with. Whether that's $2 or $2,000, know your limit, and look at betting on the Derby race, especially, more as a way to get in on the fun rather than as a payday. If you're a lady, come to Derby in a fancy hat at least once. The hats are my favorite part, I'll admit, and I relish the opportunity to wear a big, colorful chapeau. Go out and find a hat that makes you feel special; you'll feel special all day wearing it. But even if you wear a fancy hat, don't wear heels -- or rather, don't wear heels unless you have a private, inside box to walk around in barefoot. I've seen many ladies hobble out of Churchill Downs at the end of the day -- and it wasn't because of the mint juleps. They looked in pain, taking short little steps -- definitely not chic. Save yourself by wearing flats or better yet, stow a pair of flip flops in your purse. Grab all the cash you'll need before you come. The ATM lines are a major time-suck, and they carry hefty fees. But conversely, the women's restroom lines look like they'll take all day, but they really don't. So when you get in line several hundred feet from the restroom, know that you'll be back to watching the races very soon. While the alcohol booths may all look the same, they aren't. Yes, some specialize in expensive, Woodford Reserve mint juleps, while others have the Early Times variety. But even among them, there are good and bad bartenders. If you find a booth that is heavy on the bourbon, stick with it. It also seemed like some of the bartenders put their own spins on the alcoholic beverages -- for better or for worse. If you can at all swing it, buy a seat. Don't do the GA pass for the infield and paddock. After a long hot day around Churchill, a seat to call your own from which you can actually see the track is priceless. And similarly, spring for parking in the 'hood around Churchill if you can. It can be worth the $20 or $30. The wait for the shuttle back to Papa John's Stadium can take agonizingly long at the end of the day and the walk to the stadium from Churchill can feel twice as long as it really is, if you decide to forgo the shuttle -- especially if you did not heed my advice above and wore heels. Parking in a random guy's front yard that's a hop, skip and a jump from the track will seem delightful come 6:30 p.m. -- and that random guy might just be having a cook-out and give you a free hotdog. If you find a sale on rain ponchos during April, seize upon it, and grab a few. If Derby is rainy, you'll be happy you saved some moolah from not having to buy a marked-up, thin piece of plastic. And your pretty hat will be safe. Learn the words to "My Old Kentucky Home" -- or at least be sober enough to read them from the large screens around Churchill when they play it before the big race. It really helps get you into the Derby spirit. Louisville is blessed to have the Kentucky Derby. Be smart about it, and you can have a great time at the track.
This year was my first time and I had a great time, and learned a lot. Have fun with your outfit (and hat), but wear comfortable shoes because most folks do a lot of walking and standing. Check the weather and bring jackets if needed. People are very friendly though some have a little too much to fun. Uber/Lyft/taxi drop off locations could be a mile or more from Churchill Downs unless you go early before they close the roads. Parking and using the shuttle is very efficient and easy getting to the track, though there are very long lines to get back on the shuttle to reach your car. Getting your bets in is easy though you will have to wait in line. Be considerate of others and make your picks before you get in line. The people around you are generally more than happy to help if you ask.
Last weekend was my very first Kentucky Derby experience, and it was very thrilling just to feel the momentum and excitement leading up to the final race! It was so refreshing to taste and drink a mint julep, the traditional drink of the derby itself! And it was so much fun to see all the creative and colorful hats all around the event! I carpooled with friends from Lexington and we got to experience the derby from the infield paddock. It was a good firsthand experience. But you don't really get much of a view of the track itself and you have to bring your own fold-out chairs. If I were to ever come back to the derby in the future, I would actually like to get at least grandstand tickets so that I can have a better view of the track, horses, and jockeys. And I would prefer to stay in a hotel in Louisville during the entire derby weekend so that I can really get the full derby experience, be closer to all of the action, maybe even attend Kentucky Oaks (the race event for female horses that is usually held the day right before the derby), and also visit the Kentucky Derby Museum and the Louisville Slugger Museum as well. The Kentucky Derby Museum is closed on the derby day itself. But you can visit it on any other day. I learned that it's best to book hotels in Louisville at least 6 months to a year in advance of the derby. As it gets closer to the derby weekend, it gets really difficult or even impossible to get a decent hotel room.
Loved a brand new experience at the Kentucky derby! I had a blast here with my friends and we all got the cup with the name of every horse who won each year. Some of them have pretty funny names too, haha I won a bet but I did not have a net positive financial gain! I spent a good amount on drinks and I have no regrets. Came here for the racing experience and I got a fantastic one! read more
3 months ago
Every year I make such AMAZING memories at the Derby with old friends and every year we at new friends. If its on your bucket list like everyone says then MAKE IT HAPPEN! read more
1 year ago
2025 rain rain rain mud mud mud and fun fun fun. Cannot wait to go back. Exhausted as they herd you in like cattle and there is only one way in and out. Crowded! Drinks are 25 each but hey you're gonna want a couple. I bid 16 on the winner wanted to do more but there is a huge learning curve on how to use the little wager machine. It was thrilling. I wish I were wealthy so I could go like a celebrity instead of a peasant but so happy I got to experience it. read more
2 years ago
The 2024 Kentucky Derby is today! What a busy weekend! I'm busy here in NYC today but this evening I plan to be home in plenty of time to hear My Old Kentucky Home! I always cry. I lived in Kentucky ten years. In my opinion the horses and horse atmosphere throughout the countryside is the most beautiful thing to see. As a child my father always had special treats for my mother and me on derby day. We would each pick a winner and bet a nominal amount on the race. It made a fun day. I'm going to be there in spirit so please post photos if you go today! I'm jealous......this is a beautiful fun filled festival day!! read more
1 year ago
TURN OFF THE GENERAL ADMISSION AREA MUSIC!! or at least turn it down. The club music is the only thing you hear, I have no idea what the people on the main screen with the announcers and everything else were saying!! Instead I have to listen to extremely loud club music. Derby BE BETTER read more
I attended the 2024 Oaks yesterday and here's what has changed that you should know about since my review 8 years ago. 1. Still dress up! It's so fun. But that being said, if you don't feel like it, and you're in the Infield, any attire works. You'll see it all in the Infield. If you have seat tickets...you're gonna look out of place not dressed up. 2. Comfort first. Yeah, this hasn't changed at all. Do yourself a favor and wear comfortable shoes!! Please for the love of God. 3. Parking. This HAS changed quite a bit. Parking permits can be purchased online through Churchill's website/their official partner Ticketmaster. Permits are physical only so there was a cut off date to buy permits by so they could be mailed to you. I missed this deadline, but thankfully my husband played chauffeur and dropped me and my friend off and picked us up. El Nopal at the corner of Crittenden and Central Ave was an easy place for this if you need a location suggestion. It was about a 1 mile walk to Churchill. The fee to park in the L&N Stadium (formerly Papa John's Stadium) has jumped from $15 to $40. I'm not sure where you purchase these permits however. Maybe on-site? Parking at the Expo Center is now included in certain ticket types. It is NOT included in Infield tickets sadly. 4. What to pack. You are still allowed to bring food in ONLY if you have Infield tickets. Food must fit into a gallon sized Ziplock OR into your bag. You can't bring in multiple bags, just one. The bag size limit is 12" x 6" x 12". You will go through security so be prepared for this. It's just a metal detector and some bored employees. You are only allowed TWO unopened water bottles, max 24 oz. Definitely bring a disposable poncho just in case. If you're in the Infield and there's a chance of rain, I suggest bringing a tarp. Max size 10' x 10'. It's great to both sit on and hide under during a downpour. Speaking from experience yesterday. Portable camping chairs are also allowed in the Infield, you'll just have to take them out of the case for security. 5. Cash. Churchill Downs concessions are now all cashless. Major change. Betting is still done with cash however. Or you can use the Twinspires app. That's what I did to avoid having to walk to the wagering booths a million times. Drinks are expensive. Cocktails are $22. Beer is $13-14. White Claws are $14. Expect to spend a ton if you're buying numerous drinks. If your ticket has food and drinks included, well then good for you. Take advantage of that. 6. Betting. Like I said above, cash is needed to place bets or download the Twinspires app. I placed one bet after I left the track yesterday and did not win, alas. 7. Attitude. Same advice as before. Churchill is an experience like no other. Prepare to see anything and everything and have fun! Also be safe. read more
Glad to be back after a couple of canceled or limited Covid Derby's.... there has been some really nice changes! First of all... they got the parking down! Those who have parking passes get to park in a lot (such as the Expo) and take a bus pretty much to the front door. Buses run continuously, however some of the buses are school buses with TINY seats. Depending when you leave the race, you will be in some pretty long lines to get back to your car... but it still beats trying to find an Uber or taxi and the long walks from the taxi drop off area, or from some of the other parking lots. Bottom line here... get a parking pass from Churchill Downs. It's so worth it. Another MAJOR change is the "all-inclusive" ticketing. With your ticket, you now get "free" food and drinks throughout the day. To be honest... I was really worried about this new idea for many reasons. 1) was sure they would kind of limit food and drinks somehow (but I didn't see any evidence of this.... Except some long lines at times). 2) overly drunk people because of said free drinks (saw some of this... but not really different than other years ) Overall, I think this change also worked pretty well. I still am not that impressed with the increased attendance over the years. (Now well over 150,000). The masses can be a bit overwhelming, especially when it rains and so many try to get underneath for cover. Lines to bet and get food and drink can get pretty long. The bathrooms (especially the women's) lines are crazy long. The Derby is really a "bucket list" event. Even for those who do not care about the actual race. It is a big party with some of the best people watching entertainment around. Many people really go all out! Men with colorful suits, some with horse prints or other crazy themes. And the women ... Hats, Fascinators, Dresses can be pretty remarkable. There is so much to look at besides the actual races! If you ever get to go, be prepared for the masses. Have a couple of Mint Julip's and be ready to be part of the heard, dress snazzy and hopefully hit a couple of winners throughout the day. You will have fun! read more
5 months ago
3 years ago
My husband and I recently had the pleasure of attending the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, and it was an experience like no other. We went to the Churchill Downs on May 6th, and we were fortunate enough to receive free tickets from a kind stranger who couldn't attend the event due to a friend's emergency. We sold our general admission tickets on the spot to a scalper, receiving the money we had initially put in for the tickets, and we got it back. The tickets we received provided us access to the clubhouse section of the stadium, where there was a private area with six seats that overlooked the track. We shared this space with just the two of us, despite it being available for six people. The section we were in was covered, which was perfect as it provided protection against the elements that day. The area was at the top of the clubhouse section, which gave us a bird's eye view of everything, albeit it was the nosebleed section, but it was still incredible. One of the highlights of our day was the camaraderie amongst the attendees. We enjoyed talking to people from different parts of the country and experiencing the event together. Many people around us also attended the Kentucky Derby for the first time, and it was great to exchange stories and share our experiences. We had a bit of trouble navigating around Churchill Downs, which caused us some frustration. But we eventually found our way around the venue before the end of the day. The crowds just made it a bit overwhelming to navigate. Despite the challenge of navigating the venue, Churchill Downs did a fantastic job organizing the event. The countdown before each race kept everyone informed on when the next race began, which was helpful. We also appreciated the free food and drinks that were available, which added to our enjoyment of the event. Mint julep, anyone? We received some souvenir glasses. We also tried several other beverages, including an Old Fashioned and an Oak Lilly. The Oak Lilly was basically vodka cranberry with a spritz of blackberry in it. Dress to impress. Look at the website if you wonder what to wear and do a Google search. It is common place to wear over-the-top guady hats. They're amazing! You should totally go all out, and get creative with your outfits. This is applicable for men and women to go all out with your wardrobe to the Kentucky Derby. The only downside was the long lines. We had to queue for everything, from drinks to betting, which could be exhausting. But once we settled into our seats, we enjoyed an incredible view of the racetrack and the races, which made up for the long waits. Truth be told, I missed a race due to going to concessions, so I didn't have to deal with the lines. In terms of logistics, parking at Churchill Downs was expensive, and attendees have to pay $60 for a ride-share pass. We parked at the Cardinal Stadium parking lot, which cost us $40, and walked about a mile to the venue. We clocked in 11,000 steps. Our feet hurt because we didn't have proper shoes. I can't emphasize enough on how important it is to have propert shoes. Have an extra set of shoes to walk in when leaving the venue so you don't have the pain thereafter. We highly recommend Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby event. Despite some challenges, such as long lines and expensive parking, the venue and the overall ambiance of the event were fantastic. We enjoyed the camaraderie with fellow attendees, and the live races were unforgettable. The Kentucky Derby is an absolute must-see event for anyone visiting the US. read more
2 years ago
This year's Derby was amazing 150 anniversary. The experience is unique. Food and drinks were fantastic! I will highly recommend this event. We had tickets for the Oaks and Derby. Oaks is more relax day and you have a little bit of more room to walk and watch the horses. We were in section 323. I would not recommend anything lower than the 300 section. A lot of people smoking around you so if you are allergic or can't tolerate smoke this is not the event for you. read more
4 years ago
Beautiful sight. We drove by on our way through town. We didn't get to tour the museum because it was too late. The place is beautiful on the outside and stands out. We will do the museum next time but from the outside looking in this place is top class beauty. read more
I had always been an Oaks-goer for nearly all of my life. Why? The crowds I went with always described it as the "tamer" version of Derby, however I was curious to try out the real thing. So last year, I splurged on a dress, splurged on a hat, and crossed another item off of my bucket list. The Kentucky Derby is such a unique event of it's own. It's absolutely beautiful how so many from all over the world come to Louisville for this 2 minute horse race. After finally going, I never want to stop. I've been a Louisvillian my whole life, so I know how exciting it is every year come Spring. It's not a cheap event. Not at all. I'm incredibly lucky and have a family member who can get me into general admission for free, which usually is around $50. However, I still think the experience is worth the price. If you're looking for a more luxurious time, you can try the Grandstand or Millionaire's Row, with tickets that can range up to $12,000. This also isn't an event you should wait last minute for by no means - The longer you wait, the more you'll probably pay for admission. Churchill Downs will get crazy packed, but it's one hell of a party. I've only experienced Derby from the infield, but it's still a great area to have a good time. It's all just one big area you can walk around, however many bring blankets or chairs to sit on. Bring extra money...LOTS of extra money..especially if you are drinking. Signature drinks like the Lillies, Mint Julips and Bourbon Slushies will easily cost you $10 a pop. Also plan on how much you'll be betting, with 12 different races you can bet as little as $2. There's also memorabilia and food that'll be pricey too. The reason why I can't give the beloved Derby 5 stars is because there are some annoying times. SO many people will be sloppy drunk, there will be garbage everywhere and you will often feel claustrophobic. Not reasons not to go, but just be aware that it's not totally perfect out there. All in all, I feel so incredibly lucky to easily be able to attend this event in the Ville, and I can't wait for so many more years (and hats!) to come. read more
After six years of going to Derby, there is always something new to see and new memories to make. I hope that after living in this city for several more decades, I still look forward to Derby as much as I do now. But rather than write a poor imitation of Hunter S. Thompson's "The Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved" -- yes, the fancy people can be found puking up their mint juleps if you look for it, and the infield can be a debaucherous mess full of bourbon Slip 'N' Slides -- I'm using this review to share a few things I've learned about Derby. So here are some tips to help you come out of Derby with (most) of your money, with all of the items you walked into Churchill Downs with and with a pleasant memory to look back on. The first is kind of obvious but bears repeating: Don't bet more than what you're comfortable with. Whether that's $2 or $2,000, know your limit, and look at betting on the Derby race, especially, more as a way to get in on the fun rather than as a payday. If you're a lady, come to Derby in a fancy hat at least once. The hats are my favorite part, I'll admit, and I relish the opportunity to wear a big, colorful chapeau. Go out and find a hat that makes you feel special; you'll feel special all day wearing it. But even if you wear a fancy hat, don't wear heels -- or rather, don't wear heels unless you have a private, inside box to walk around in barefoot. I've seen many ladies hobble out of Churchill Downs at the end of the day -- and it wasn't because of the mint juleps. They looked in pain, taking short little steps -- definitely not chic. Save yourself by wearing flats or better yet, stow a pair of flip flops in your purse. Grab all the cash you'll need before you come. The ATM lines are a major time-suck, and they carry hefty fees. But conversely, the women's restroom lines look like they'll take all day, but they really don't. So when you get in line several hundred feet from the restroom, know that you'll be back to watching the races very soon. While the alcohol booths may all look the same, they aren't. Yes, some specialize in expensive, Woodford Reserve mint juleps, while others have the Early Times variety. But even among them, there are good and bad bartenders. If you find a booth that is heavy on the bourbon, stick with it. It also seemed like some of the bartenders put their own spins on the alcoholic beverages -- for better or for worse. If you can at all swing it, buy a seat. Don't do the GA pass for the infield and paddock. After a long hot day around Churchill, a seat to call your own from which you can actually see the track is priceless. And similarly, spring for parking in the 'hood around Churchill if you can. It can be worth the $20 or $30. The wait for the shuttle back to Papa John's Stadium can take agonizingly long at the end of the day and the walk to the stadium from Churchill can feel twice as long as it really is, if you decide to forgo the shuttle -- especially if you did not heed my advice above and wore heels. Parking in a random guy's front yard that's a hop, skip and a jump from the track will seem delightful come 6:30 p.m. -- and that random guy might just be having a cook-out and give you a free hotdog. If you find a sale on rain ponchos during April, seize upon it, and grab a few. If Derby is rainy, you'll be happy you saved some moolah from not having to buy a marked-up, thin piece of plastic. And your pretty hat will be safe. Learn the words to "My Old Kentucky Home" -- or at least be sober enough to read them from the large screens around Churchill when they play it before the big race. It really helps get you into the Derby spirit. Louisville is blessed to have the Kentucky Derby. Be smart about it, and you can have a great time at the track. read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
This year was my first time and I had a great time, and learned a lot. Have fun with your outfit (and hat), but wear comfortable shoes because most folks do a lot of walking and standing. Check the weather and bring jackets if needed. People are very friendly though some have a little too much to fun. Uber/Lyft/taxi drop off locations could be a mile or more from Churchill Downs unless you go early before they close the roads. Parking and using the shuttle is very efficient and easy getting to the track, though there are very long lines to get back on the shuttle to reach your car. Getting your bets in is easy though you will have to wait in line. Be considerate of others and make your picks before you get in line. The people around you are generally more than happy to help if you ask. read more
10 years ago
Last weekend was my very first Kentucky Derby experience, and it was very thrilling just to feel the momentum and excitement leading up to the final race! It was so refreshing to taste and drink a mint julep, the traditional drink of the derby itself! And it was so much fun to see all the creative and colorful hats all around the event! I carpooled with friends from Lexington and we got to experience the derby from the infield paddock. It was a good firsthand experience. But you don't really get much of a view of the track itself and you have to bring your own fold-out chairs. If I were to ever come back to the derby in the future, I would actually like to get at least grandstand tickets so that I can have a better view of the track, horses, and jockeys. And I would prefer to stay in a hotel in Louisville during the entire derby weekend so that I can really get the full derby experience, be closer to all of the action, maybe even attend Kentucky Oaks (the race event for female horses that is usually held the day right before the derby), and also visit the Kentucky Derby Museum and the Louisville Slugger Museum as well. The Kentucky Derby Museum is closed on the derby day itself. But you can visit it on any other day. I learned that it's best to book hotels in Louisville at least 6 months to a year in advance of the derby. As it gets closer to the derby weekend, it gets really difficult or even impossible to get a decent hotel room. read more
The Kentucky Derby! I've spent almost all of my life living in Louisville, Kentucky. I grew up knowing the first Saturday in May was a holiday. However, it wasn't until 2012 when I finally got my life together and went to Derby; I bought general admission (paddock and infield) tickets. I returned this year for a second go-round with actual seats in the grandstand. After two trips, I ask myself... WHY DID I SPEND SO MANY YEARS NOT GOING??? I'm honestly not even sure what to say in this review, because there are so many things to say. So I apologize if it's all over the place. I also haven't experienced every single aspect of Derby, so I can't give you any reviews of millionaire's row, etc. (SADLY!) in this review. So, I'll just say a few things... -There a variety of options when it comes to tickets. You can buy a general admission ticket for roughly $50. That doesn't give you many opportunities to see horses, but one of the best parts of Derby is the people watching. Yes... the outfits, the HATS (If you don't wear a hat to Derby, I'm mad at you immediately.), the madness... you'll see it wherever you are. The infield has a reputation for being wild, but I wouldn't say that's everywhere in the infield, so don't let it scare you. You can also buy tickets. If you plan far enough in advance, you can buy them through Churchill Downs. Get on their e-mail list for tickets NOW, because that happens in November or so. (Yes, you must plan in advance.) You can always go through a reseller/Craigslist/etc., but it was really nice knowing I had my tickets ready for me this year. -I already said this, but WEAR A HAT. There is NO other time when hats are such a requirement. Make a fashion statement, even if you're normally not fashionable. Fellas, even you can look snazzy and wear a hat! It's a good look! ;) -Make a day of it. There's a list of regulations and whatnot, but you actually can bring in food ("boxed" lunches). Drinks will be expensive ($11 for a lily this year, and I believe the same for a mint julep...). Food will be expensive. Eat before you come and bring whatever you need to help you spend your money on the things you want--like gambling (which you should do responsibly!!). Speaking of money, bringing cash is in your best interest so you don't have to deal with cards. You can also track all of the money you spend that way. -The facilities are actually quite nice everywhere. Churchill Downs seems to be constantly expanding and adding services. The area I sat in this year recently added a number of restrooms; I didn't have to wait in line longer than a few minutes at all this year! WOOHOO! I'm a big bucket list girl and one of those people who travels to do fun stuff frequently. The fact such an amazing event was taking place literally just a few miles from my house every year and I didn't experience it until I was in my mid-twenties... I can't believe it!!! If you're from Louisville, Kentucky, or anywhere, it's worth the trip. You really can't experience Derby a "wrong" way, so make it how you want it to be, and make the most of it! (I still feel like I'm forgetting things to say, so if you have questions, feel free to message me!) read more
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12 years ago
The Kentucky Derby is one of the greatest displays of humanity at its finest and at least finest moments (these moments usually occur later in the day as copious amounts of mint juleps are consumed). Being a northern Yankee who rarely ventures south of the Mason Dixon I have had the opportunity to attend the Derby twice. My first visit was in 2010 with some college friends and consisted of us getting less than gentile in the infield with the thousands of other post-collegiate douche-canoes. My most recent visit was last weekend during the 2014 running and one where the fiancé and co were actually able to see track/races from the grandstand. Although my Derby experiences were different based on both the weather and where I was there are a few things every Derby guy/girl should know. First, come ready to have fun and expect to have a considerable amount of down time in between the races. One of things I didn't realize before attending in 2010 was that going to the Derby is an all-day affair. Of course you don't have to get trashy but with all the drinking/debauchery going on around you it's pretty hard not to...and besides who doesn't love a good bourbon?! Second, be sure to have an entry and exit plan as getting in and out of the Derby is a cluster. I'm pretty lucky to have a friend who lives a couple miles away from Churchill Downs so walking to the track has always been an option for me. There is parking at CD but it is very expensive and you will wait forever to get your car in and out of the lot. Moreover, there are various places near CD that allow you to park on their private lawns/lots but I can't vouch if those are legit. Thirdly, like Emily H says, bring as much cash with you as possible as the ATM fees are expensive and most vendors only take cash. I was able to find a few places that took credit cards but the wait for those lines were really long and only reasonable to stay in in between races. Also, it should be common knowledge but the betting stations also only take cash as well. Lastly, plan on eating something during your time at the races since, as I stated before, it's an all-day event. My friends and I were able to grab something to eat before heading to the track and also were fortunate to sit by some nice ladies willing to share their snacks with us! You can bring in small bagged food but I do not think they allow you to bring in outside drinks/booze (although you can find creative ways to sneak them in). Running out of food at the end of the day is a common occurrence so if you're craving a plate of Kentucky nachos don't wait. Going to the Derby has been a fun experience both times and a great way to check out the coolest (IMHO) city in the Commonwealth. If you ever have the opportunity to go, don't hesitate, grab your finest threads, fanciest hats and prepare your liver for one of the greatest experiences of your life! read more
Amazing experience we'll never forget! Add this to your bucket list! Try to hit the Turf club or The Mansion!! Love people watching with all the great hats and people dressed up to the 9's! Ladies bring flip flops to go look at the horses and you'll need them by the me of the day! read more
11 years ago
All I can say is I had a blast!! If you've never been to the derby, you owe it to yourself to make a trip there. I went alone and met soooo many people, so don't be afraid to do it alone if you have to. But if you have a group of friends, you'd have a blast as well. I bought my tickets from Churchill Downs and they mailed them out in April. My package for Taste of the Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby was close to 700 dollars. To get tickets from Churchill Downs, you'd need to signup online after every derby and they will send you a presale invite in November. And they mail out the tickets in April, a few weeks before the Derby. Other than that, you'd need to buy from a second party. If you can wait, go on Craigslist about a week from the Derby and even three days until the Derby, and people will have really good seats for dirt cheap! That's if you want to wait that long and chance it. I sat in section 227 which is one of the new areas. So you have stadium style seats which are comfy! You also have access to the new rooftop areas on the third floor which are really nice!! They have all covered areas up there, benches to sit on, really nice, clean, fresh and new restrooms so the lines aren't even crazy at all! There's ceiling fans all over the rooftop area. It was very nice! Also you have foods like sliced brisket, pooled pork, lobster, etc in that area. So if you can, sections 227-228 are worth the tickets because those are newer areas and they have good views! Especially if you're a tall girl like me, you won't have any problems seeing everything! You can do sections 323-325 would be so worth sitting in as well, which is probably the next areas I'll try sitting in when I return, if not section 312 which is on the finish line. You do see the first start in section 227-228 and the last turn to the finish! It's all breath taking and exhilarating! I won my bet on the Derby race and a few other races, so my day was even more exciting!! The betting lines do get insanely long so know who you will bet on and get those bets in fairly early and quickly so you don't have to wait upwards of an hour or more to bet or cash in winning tickets, cause it gets insane!! The famous mint juleps are so strong! But if you love bourbon you'll love those! My favorite drink was the Lilly!! It was so good!! The drinks are 11 dollars and food averages out to about 9 dollars. So it can get pricey, but who's counting! You're at the Kentucky Derby!! Ladies all I can say about the shoes is don't do stilettos and heels unless they are extremely comfy with shock absorption in it. The concrete will kill your feet! The first day I did ok in my chunky heels but for Derby day I nearly passed out because of standing too long and my blood wasn't circulating right because my straps were too tight and the concrete was just killing me in the heels. I'll have to find a really pretty and super comfortable wedge heel next time. You will love flats after this day is over! But make sure you dress to the nines!! People will be snapping pictures left and right and will want to include you in all kinds of photos!! I'm quite sure there were a lot of people who wished they'd dressed better! Lol. But pretty much close to everyone there were dressed really well! And the guys were extremely dapper! Trust me I'll be back to the Derby, it's a ritual now. My next stop is the Preakness and Belmont Stakes!! I hope you guys have as much fun as I had going to the Taste of Derby, The Kentucky Oaks and The Kentucky Derby! It's so worth going to each event. You won't regret any of it. It's worth every penny!! Here's to American Pharaoh, my winning horse for 141st Kentucky Derby!!! read more
We had tickets for 6th Floor, Millionaire's Row. We were lucky enough to get a police escort to the parking area. It's crazy to see all the people around the area of Churchill Downs and how they try to sell parking at their homes and in their yards. Anyway, our tour bus parked and we exited the bus. We got into the line of general admission, then we were moved to the media entry to make it into the building. We made it into the building then started to move onward and upward. The 6th floor is the top floor. We road the escalator all the way to the top. We showed our tickets at the door of Millionaire's Row then entered. The interior for 6th floor Millionaire's Row is something out of the 90's. The chairs are covered in fabric that is dated. They've got tons of televisions in the walls that show what is happing on the track. These tvs are the old tube type. I think they could stand to update the televisions like they did in the Turf Club on the 3rd floor. We were seated at our tables as indicated on the ticket. We waited a few minutes and then was greeted by our server who took our order. We had the all you can eat/drink plan, so we ordered a couple of the (usually) $15 mint juleps in the collector's cup. They've got a bar in the room, but it's a cash bar and why would I pay for a drink when a server can bring me one for free? There is also betting windows in the room that will take cash bets. If you don't have cash on you, you can download the app to bet on your phone. The food at the buffet was good but not great. There was a blackberry salad, some cold shrimp, some kind of shell pasta with a red sauce that was kind of dry, and prime rib or turkey breast. Granted I wasn't there for the food. I was there for the experience. We were in a room with the who's who of Louisville and of Kentucky. We saw the Governor, Matt Bevin more times than I'd like. The staff at the door was very on to make sure people who had tickets belonged. When we came back from the paddock, the guy at the door asked to see my wrist band and then wanted to see my ticket. Luckily I had my ticket on me. This happened a few times as I left Millionaire's Row to go to the bathroom, which was located outside of the area, but on the same floor. The bathroom had an attendant working, but you could tell he didn't want to be there. He would put the paper towels on the sink where it was wet. One time I went in there and I kept hearing something fall on the floor. Come to find out that it was him and he was dropping his phone on the ground because he kept falling asleep as he was seated. Later on in the day, he was gone. The view from the 6th floor is something that dreams are made of. We made it our there for a few of the races. Dumb me thought that there was only one race of the day. I was born and raised in Kentucky, but I was confused about how many races were happening on The Derby. We were able to stand at the edge of the terrace for all the races, expect for the actual Derby race, you had to have a special band for the front area on that race. We had a friend that was down in a suite in the infield. We made our way down to the ground level and tried to find a way to get to the infield. That proved harder to do than in theory. We kept asking how to get over and we kept getting different answers. It took about 30 minutes for us to get from 6th floor Millionaire's Row to the ground level on the other side. We finally decided to say f it and go back upstairs. It's kind of funny to see how the people dress upstairs and downstairs. Women upstairs have hats/fascinators, heels and dresses, the women on the ground level are wearing flip flops and less than dressy attire. My favorite part of the day was just people watching. It was so neat to see how the different classes live. Yes, I said classes, because if someone spends $1,000 on a ticket and another spends 55 bucks, there's going to be a difference. I also enjoyed all the mint juleps I had and was thankful for the server that gave us a box to take all our glasses home with us. I'll be back in the off season and miss all the decadence. read more
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