Kentucky Derby?

[Blues]

One of my DW's life goals is to see the Kentucky Derby in person.

How does one get decent tickets to the Derby? Is it too soon to buy tickets for 2009? Too late? Are there package deals that include hotel, and possibly some access too the corrals and such? Some special way to get box seats or other decent seats?

I assume the best place to fly into is Louisville?

I'm a total novice to this. Any help appreciated.

[AwayWeGo]

The way the horses have been getting wiped out lately, maybe they should rename that famous race the Alpo Stakes.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.

[Dave M]

Decent tickets? You'll have to go through a ticket broker or a travel agency and pay a huge markup. Just Google "Kentucky Derby" (with the quotes) and "tickets" (without the quotes) and you'll find more options than you will have time to consider! Many of those options include accommodations and other add-ons.

If you want to participate in the festivities, but don't want to pay those prices, you can buy general admission tickets on the day of the reace. See this official Kentucky Derby FAQ link for more info.

[AwayWeGo]

The thoroughbred that won the Kentucky Derby also came in 1st in the Preakness Stakes this year.

How long has it been since a horse won the Triple Crown ?

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.

[4BoxersGranny]

Affirmed in 1978.

[debraxh]

Your best bet may be a package as suggested by Dave.

I lived in Louisville for about 10 years and it is THE EVENT of the year, so expect to pay a premium for everything. I went about 5 times, all in the infield, because I was a college student and couldn't afford the tickets that were usually available. Many of the Derby related festivities are free, so it can be a fun week.

Good luck!

[bogey21]

Originally Posted by Blues

One of my DW's life goals is to see the Kentucky Derby in person.

How does one get decent tickets to the Derby?

Go to the Churchill Downs website and get on their mailing list for information, press releases, etc. I received a number of emails from them offering packages for the Derby. I'm sure they are costly (I didn't pay much attention to the pricing as I wasn't interested).

GEORGE

[bogey21]

Originally Posted by AwayWeGo

The way the horses have been getting wiped out lately, maybe they should rename that famous race the Alpo Stakes

As an owner of race horses for 50 years I am apalled by this comment

GEORGE

[Deb from NC]

Go to the Churchill Downs website and join the Twin Spires club (it's free)
You'll get offers for good tickets..not inexpensive, but good seats.
They also offer packages for the Derby + Oaks + hotel.
I'm originally from Lexington, Ky and have been several times...it is an event not to be missed!
And for those of you that fear horses are being mistreated...well, go and visit some of the horse farms in and around Lexington! We should all live so well...
(Not to make light of the death of Eight Belles, which was indeed a tragedy, and which will result, I hope, in some needed changes in TB racing...)

Deb from NC (originally from Ky !)

[Blues]

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

George, I went to churchilldowns.com and created an account. It asked what tracks I wanted information on, and I checked Churchill Downs, not any of the others. I assume that's what you meant. If there's somewhere else on the web site to sign up for their mailing list, I didn't see it.

Deb from NC, I tried to sign up for the Twin Spires club. I guess it's a wagering site. Anyway, they wanted a Social Security number, and there was no way I was giving that to them! I put in a bogus one, but then the last page required you to check the boxes to 1) swear that you provided correct information, and 2) to allow the credit bureaus to check my credit. I wasn't willing to do that, so I didn't sign up. I can't believe how intrusive they are! I mean, even if I wanted to wager, I should be able to just provide a valid credit card for payment!

Again, thanks everyone for the help!.

[Deb from NC]

Hi Blues,
Oh, I am sorry about that! I signed up for the Twin Spires Club some time ago and I'm sure they didn't ask for a ss # when I did, or I never would have done it! (I joined just to get a discount on some Churchill Downs trinkets!)
I do get e-mails from them with offers for Derby/Oaks tickets, but I'm sure you can get that elsewhere without having to provide a ss #.
Anyway, I do hope you go, it is a great event!
Deb

[liborn2]

Kentucky Derby is an event to see, I was able to attend this year since my nephew moved from NY to Louisville for college and took advantage of his rented house, since hotel rates are very high for Derby dates.
I watched for weeks the prices of Derby tickets for grandstand seats on EBAY, to pay triple the price and could be sitting in the rain for non covered seats, the least expensive were $200-$300 per seat, we decided to wait it out and attempt the INFIELD location. Thank God I had friends in Louisville to prepare us for the Infield, We met so many wonderful fans/people having a great time, and if your into People Watching..bring your chairs and enjoy. They sell unlimited Infield seats for $40 pp..beware if it rains, since the field does get muddy, you might get hugged by someone who just rolled in the mud.
Pick you location carefully...and have fun..We all enjoyed our first Derby and look forward returning, hopefully secure some grandstand seats.
PS and I'm not much of a horse racing fan, but when in Louisville, you gotta do the Derby, it like visiting NY without seeing a show.
PS..Did you also know that Louisville begins the Derby Time two weeks prior with Thunder in the Sky show, the largest Fireworks show in North America...maybe that might be another option to see other than Derby,
and don't forget the Bourbon Distilleries, Heaven Hill has the best tour, ask for Bill, he was great.

[cigarboo]

I've looked at stubhub.com for tickets. They have tons of tickets for just about any event. The price can be very high since ticket prices are set by individuals selling tickets, but there's always a high mark up for Kentucky Derby tickets. Hotels book up early, so if you want a certain hotel, you should call now for 2009 and see when's the earliest you can book.