Opening Day

OPENING DAY: Powered by LG&E-KU

Saturday, April 25, 2026 | Gates Open: 11:30 a.m. | First Race: 12:45 p.m.

Opening Day centers around family-friendly fun for the entire community. Celebrate the 152nd Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks post-position draws. New for this year, Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and Mini Marathon finishers will receive free admission if they wear their medals to Opening Day. Wear your medal to the box office and receive a free general admission ticket. Guests are encouraged to coordinate their attire with their family members, friends or significant others.

Opening Day Ticket & Hotel Package

Kick off Derby Week 2026 with an elevated Opening Day at Churchill Downs experience on April 25, 2026.

This exclusive Derby Week hotel and ticket package includes two tickets in the luxurious Spires Terrace, featuring all-inclusive food and beverage, a full bar package, and an Old Forester bourbon tasting. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. with first post at 12:45 p.m.

Your getaway also includes:

• One- or two-night stay at Derby City Gaming Hotel
• $50 dining credit to Oliver’s Steakhouse
• $25 in free casino play
• Complimentary onsite parking (added prior to event)

Enjoy premium race day hospitality and the convenience of a Derby City Gaming hotel stay, all in one seamless Opening Day package in Louisville.

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EVENT DAY DETAILS

Opening Day | Saturday, April 25

Gates Open 11:30 a.m. | First Race 12:45 p.m.

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EVENT DAY HIGHLIGHTS

2026 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Post Position Draw Presented by Ford (Location: Second Floor Terrace – Weather Backup in First Turn Club | Time: 2:00-3:00pm)

• Join us for a moment of anticipation as contenders and their connections learn their post positions for Derby and Oaks. Be part of the excitement, the legacy, and the thrill of the draw!

Free GA Admission with 2026 Kentucky Derby Marathon Medal:

• As part of our partnership with the Kentucky Derby Festival, guests are invited to enjoy free admission on Saturday with their 2026 Festival Marathon medal (Half or Full Marathon). This special offer is our way of celebrating Derby Week and welcoming festival-goers to be part of the excitement. Guests can present their medal at the gate on Saturday for complimentary GA admission.

Jockey & Trainer Poster Signing (Location: TBA | Time: TBA | 1,000 Posters)

• Fans will have the chance to meet their favorite Opening Day riders and trainers and pick up an Opening Day poster.

VR Horse Racing Powered by LG&E and KU (Location: White Lot -- Quint Tent)

• Don’t just come to watch the action, be a part of it with JockeyCam! Step into the shoes of a jockey and experience the thrill of the track, and feel the energy of the crowd as you make your way to the finish line.

Louisville Tourism Mobile Visitor Center (Location: 1st Floor near Racing Office)

• Hop aboard “Big Lou”, Louisville Tourism’s mobile visitor center, rolling out red-carpet hospitality alongside our incredible community partners to share insider tips, local favorites, and can’t-miss experiences that make Derby City shine!

Derby Week Photo Op w/ Replica Trophy (Location: White Lot – Straight Ahead from Paddock Gate Temp Tent Entrance)

Build Your Own Hat & Bow Tie Station & “Win Place Show” Kids Game (Location: TBA | While supplies last)

Entertainment Line Up:

National Anthem Performance | Miss Kentucky (Ariana Rodriguez): Ariana Rodriguez, 20 years old, of Bardstown, was crowned Miss Kentucky 2025. Ariana is the founder of The Lucky Ones, a Kentucky program that supports children in foster care and empowers youth through practical education and personal connection.

Style Under the Spires: Derby Week Fashion Contest

Coordinated Classics: Celebrate the spirit of the Derby with a playful, all-ages twist. This theme blends classic Derby style with family-friendly fashion that’s comfortable, festive, and full of personality. Entries should get the whole family involved, including mommy-and-me matching attire, coordinated couples, or sibling pairs.

How to Enter:

• Scan the QR code displayed on the big board, enter your name and phone number, and send us a photo of your outfit.
• Our stylists behind the scenes are reviewing entries and will select the top 10 looks.
• The top 10 finalists will be contacted between Races 5 and 6.
• The fashion contest will take place between Races 7 and 8 at the Derby Week Photo Op.
• The winner will receive a prize.

ALL-INCLUSIVE SEATING OPTIONS

Indulge in exquisite dining for Derby Week! Enjoy gourmet meals, fine beverages, and an unforgettable culinary experience.

*Tickets include all-inclusive chef's table buffet, alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverages, offsite parking, and shuttle to the venue.

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PARKING INFORMATION

To be announced!

Maps and Directions can be found here:

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