A trip to Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby weekend can be an unforgettable experience! Here are some tips to help you plan your trip to the world’s most legendary racetrack.

Gates Open / Post Times

From opening day of the Spring Meet through Thursday of Derby week, gates open at 11:30 a.m. (all times Eastern) and post time for the first race of the day is 1:10 p.m.  (These are normal opening and post times for the 2010 Spring Meet.)

On Kentucky Derby and Oaks Days, gates open early at 8 a.m. with post time for the first races advancing to 10:30 a.m.

Approximate post time for the Kentucky Oaks race on April 30 is 5:45 p.m. and approximately post time for the Kentucky Derby race on May 1 is 6:24 p.m.

Entering Churchill Downs

• Guests with reserved clubhouse seats enter Churchill Downs at Gate 10 or Gate 17.
• Guests with reserved grandstand seats – including bleacher seats – should enter the track at Gate 1. 
• Turf Suite patrons can catch a shuttle to their suite in the Longfield Parking Lot located inside Churchill Downs Gate 10.
• General admissions guests can enter at any gate.  Patrons wishing to spend the day in infield should enter Churchill Downs via Gate 1 or Gate 3.

Please note:  Gates 1 and 3 are the only gates where blankets and tarpaulins are permitted while any patrons bringing chairs must enter via Gate 3.

Ticketing Information

Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks General Admission

General admission tickets for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks are available online at http://tickets.churchilldowns.com.  General admission tickets can be printed from home up until the day of the event. 

General Admission Prices

• Kentucky Oaks: $25
• Kentucky Derby: $40

Please note:  General admission DOES NOT INCLUDE A SEAT or visual access to the racetrack.  General admission patrons have access to the paddock area, the Gate 10 corridor and the infield.  Horses can generally be viewed roughly 25 minutes before each race in the paddock area.  The races will be visible on television screens (large and small) throughout the facility.

Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Reserved Seating

Tickets for reserved seats in the grandstand and in the clubhouse will be released online as they become available, so check back often!

Infield Club

The Infield Club is a great alternative to a general admission ticket.  Visual access to the track is very limited, but the amenities are terrific!  Tickets are available online at http://tickets.churchilldowns.com or by phone at 502-636-4400.

• Infield Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks basic admission
  Two-day package: $250
  There is a seat for everyone who is ticketed for this area, but it is not a reserved seat.
• Infield Club Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks VIP Lounge (reserved seating)
  Two-day package: $375
  This ticket, though giving limited visual access to the track, includes a reserved seat plus upgraded amenities including food and beverage discounts.  A great deal! 

Corporate Hospitality

Churchill Downs offers a variety of  on-track hospitality options for corporate clients throughout Kentucky Derby week.  To review packages, click here.

Will Call

Will Call for normal racing days at Churchill Downs is located at the two main clubhouse entrances, Gates 10 and 17.

Please note:  There will be NO WILL CALL on Kentucky Derby (May 1) or Kentucky Oaks (April 30) Days at Churchill Downs.

Apparel recommendations 

Oaks and Derby days are a “Dress to Impress” occasion.  That being said, here are some guidelines to help you be comfortable on the day:

Reserved seating areas (Infield Club, grandstand, clubhouse, suites, dining rooms and corporate hospitality areas)

Ladies typically wear pastel-colored suits, dresses, or bold separates. Hats are the major fashion trend at the Derby, so don’t forget yours! High heels always look nice with your colorful Derby and Oaks outfits but you may want to pack a comfortable pair of shoes such as flip flops for the walk to and from your car. 

Gentlemen traditionally sport seersucker suits, light-colored sport coats or those go-to navy sport coats, nice khakis or dress pants, light-colored shirts, and fashionable ties (long or bow) with matching accessories.

Dress Code (Apparel Restrictions):

Denim/Jeans, shorts, tennis shoes or any athletic apparel are not permitted in:

• Trophy Room
• Turf Club
• Finish Line Suites
• Jockey Club Suites
• Aristides Room
• Stakes Room
• Turf Suites
• Section 111 Trophy Suites
• Trackside Village
• Millionaire’s Row

Worn, torn, or frayed garments, collarless T-shirts, tank tops, and midriff tops are never allowed in reserved seating areas 

Infield Apparel Recommendations

The infield is certainly less formal than the reserved seating areas and the rule of the day for infield apparel is practical comfort! 

Recommended infield attire includes blue jeans, shorts, T-shirts or polo shirts, casual sundresses, and comfortable footwear. Remember, the infield is exposed to the elements, so be sure to bring a rain jacket if rain is in the forecast as umbrellas are not allowed at Churchill Downs on Derby and Oaks Days.  For sunny weather, it’s smart to also wear a good layer of sunscreen!