Is anyone familiar with Churchill Downs?

Question

I am thinking about going to the Kentucky Derby this year, but don’t want to spend $1K a piece on tickets. I am wondering what kind of experience I will have if I get the general admission tickets. Has anyone ever done this?

Answer 1

Yup, I sat in the infield for several years. It's basically Mardi Gras in Louisville. You won't see much of horse racing. You can see some on the big screens, but as for live racing... IF you can get against the fence, you will see them for a few seconds as they pass by, that's about it. You will, however, see a lot of b***s if you have beads.

If you like the party atmosphere, it's fun. If you're there for serious horse racing, forget it. The lines are horrible, the portapotties stink, and you'll more than likely get beer spilled on you by a drunken frat boy.

Answer 2

Churchill Downs does hold a drawing every year for the public to buy grandstand and some clubhouse tickets at face value. Much too late for the '08 derby this May, however I have seen some resales as low as $200 per seat. If you are planning on spending the night, room accommodations are expensive and sparse during Derby week.

The other answers about the general admission tickets are right on target. The infield is crammed with party people who are not your typical race goer. Seeing, hearing and betting on the races is a lesson in patience and disappointment. That all said, its an event worth being a part of, if only just once.

Answer 3

I have never done it before, but I have done a lot of research. General Admission costs $40 at the gate on Kentucky Derby day. You cannot get these tickets in advance. General Admission is in the infield with a lot of rowdy people. You probably won't get to see a lot of the race. I have been to Churchill Downs (not on Derby day) and it is really beautiful.

Answer 4

I thought you meant the australian racehorse named Churchhill downs when I looked at your question! He cost $750000 as a yearling. (If your interested)

No mate, sorry, never been there.