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Updated: 2/06/03
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most difficult events in sports to get a reserved seat for. You have to apply in writing a year in advance and still you will not likely get a seat where you can see much of the big race. General admission is $40 this year and that only gets you in the infield or paddock area, but they will sell an unlimited number of these so you can get into Churchill Downs.
There is always a long line-up of people waiting at the gate to get in and race for the prime spots. These include anywhere along the fence in the infield but most especially along the fence around the paddock. That is your best spot to actually see the horses and then watch the race on the big screen TV over the paddock. If you are in the infield you will be mostly surrounded by rather rowdy drunks (although there is supposed to be a section of the infield over on the clubhouse turn that is a bit more civilized). According to the people I know who went in the infield, it wasn't worth it and to try and stay in the paddock area instead.
There will be tickets for sale outside the gates on Derby day, but be very careful if you try to buy tickets that way. Scalping (i.e. selling for more than face value) is illegal in Kentucky and they do have undercover cops watching for it. If you are busted trying to buy (or sell) tickets for more than face value and are caught, they will not only confiscate the tickets but your money too! Don't be afraid to buy tickets outside the gate, just don't pay more than the price printed on the ticket. The only worry you have at that point is forgeries, which do happen so be careful.
If you really want a reserved seat, there are tons of them available via ticket brokers but be prepared to pay up to 10 times or more of the face value. Before I paid those high prices, I would try the various online forums, classifieds, and Ebay or Yahoo auctions to get one at a more reasonable price. Note that Ebay has strict rules about the selling of tickets in areas where scalping is illegal (like Kentucky) while Yahoo still does not. If you do go with the ticket brokers, try for the infield bleachers (sections 10, 11, and 12). These are the best value of any tickets sold as you get a finish line view of all the races and stretch runs, steeper rows so you can see over other people's heads, and even a chance to see the backstretch if you turn around. Section 12 is the closest to the finish line and also gives a good view of the Derby winner's circle. These are also generally sold for a cheaper price because they say infield on them. In the main stands, the most affordable seats with a decent view would be sections 221-222 of the grandstand, but again they are rather flat so you want to be down towards the front. Sections 321-322 are good as well since they would let you see the backstretch over all the junk in the infield but forget about getting them for any price approaching reasonable.
Churchill Downs Seating Diagram
Starting in 2002, the rules for entry and what you can bring in changed drastically. In the past you saw hundreds of people bringing in coolers full of food and soft drinks, but that is no longer allowed. Read the new rules carefully as there are many changes. Rules for 2003 are not out yet, but I don't expect they will be very different.
- Gates open at 8am
- All patrons will be searched with a magnetic wand at all track entrance gates
- All vehicles (buses, limousines and vendor vehicles) that enter the track will have security sweeps before entering
- Vehicles parked in all Churchill Downs lots will be subject to search
- Dress code is "smart casual" suggested, probably only enforced for clubhouse seats.
- Items that patrons may carry in to Churchill Downs on Oaks and Derby days are:
- Food items in clear plastic bags (maximum size 18"x 18" - no trash bags)
- "Box" lunches if packaged in clear plastic bags (maximum size 18"x 18" - no trash bags)
- Cellular telephones, cameras, and camcorders (patrons required to turn electronic items on before entry is allowed)
- Binoculars
- Purses and baby bags (all subject to search)
- Chairs (Gate 3 only)
- Blankets (Gates 1 & 3 for infield use only)
- Tarpaulins (Gates 1 & 3 for infield use only)
- Items that are banned from the track on Derby and Oaks Days include:
- Weapons of any kind (includes all knives and scissors)
- Bottles and cans of any kind (includes all beverage and lotion containers - glass, plastic or metal)
- Thermoses
- Coolers
- Grills
- Backpacks, luggage and duffel bags
- Strollers and wagons
- Umbrellas
Parking is always difficult at Churchill Downs on the big days. There is NO onsite parking except for VIPs or by special arrangement made in advance for high prices. You can park in people's yards for $10 and up, way up as you get closer. The best deal is to park at the Kentucky Fairgrounds for $3 and ride the shuttle bus in from there for $5. These shuttles have special lanes marked and avoid all traffic so you have a speedy trip to and from the track. There is also a shuttle available from downtown if your hotel is there. Shuttles from both locations will run continuously from 8am to 6pm.
If you would like to request reserved seating for the 2004 Kentucky Oaks or Kentucky Derby, please send your written request by regular mail to:
Special EventsWritten requests for reserved seating for the 130th Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby in 2004 will be accepted from May 2nd - September 1st, 2003. For a look at what happens to those requests, check here.
Churchill Downs
700 Central Avenue
Louisville, Kentucky 40208
Upon receipt of your request, an acknowledgment card will be mailed to you. If they are able to accommodate your request for the 2003 Kentucky Oaks/Derby, an invoice will be mailed to you after October 1, 2003. Reserved seating for the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby is allocated on an annual basis, so you must write each year for consideration. No e-mails accepted.
Good luck with your trip to the Kentucky Derby! It looks to be a grand day of racing once again. Here are some more links to help you get ready:
Triple Crown quick links:
- Kentucky Derby Contenders - with photos and profiles
- 2004 Triple Crown Nominees - the full list sorted by name, sire, trainer, or owner
- Experimental Free Handicap - ranks the top 2-year-olds of 2002 and determines who can be a dual qualifier
- Triple Crown Trail prep race schedule with results updated weekly
- Injury Report - who is off the trail due to injury
- Derby Ticket Requests - what really happens once you send one in to Churchill Downs
- Louisville Courier Journal coverage - one of your best news sources for the Derby
- Blood Horse Triple Crown Mania
- DRF Derby Special
- Thoroughbred Times Triple Crown special
- Derby News from Churchill Downs
- Triple Crown Trivia Quiz - test your knowledge of the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont and compete with others.
- Triple Crown Index - the master list with even more info
Photos ©2003 Cindy Pierson Dulay. Seating chart courtesy of Churchill Downs.
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