2024 Derby Tickets
Demand for Derby tickets is quite strong each year, as this event ranks among the most popular sporting events we offer. A lot of customers come to us because they want to #BeThereLive at the "Greatest 2 Minutes in Sports". The Derby is a great event for a couple to attend as it combines fancy clothes, fun times, sports, gambling and partying. It is also a popular event for groups of friends to attend, and even for business folks looking to entertain clients.
Derby Weekend in Louisville always kicks off on Thursday for The Thurby, then continue on Friday with the Oaks race, before finishing with the main race on Saturday. Ticket prices on the Derby will vary significantly depending on where you sit. A seat in the 100-level Grandstand often start around $1,000 per ticket for seats in Sections like 124-128. Seats in the 200-level generally start at $1,500 per ticket. While seats in the 300-level will start in the $3,000 to $4,000 a seat range with only the outside sections (e.g.- Section 325) selling for under $3k. A popular option for fans looking for a premium Derby seat is the Turf Club, which offers tickets at tables starting at near $6,000 per.
The Derby is raced on the first Saturday in May. It is the most popular horse race in the World. Sports fans from around the country flock to Churchill Downs to witness the Derby in-person. The Derby is about much more than horse racing, it is a major social event where fans drink, gamble and mingle with celebrities in an all-day event. The Derby is a "bucket list" event for many of our customers, and a fantastic event to take your spouse, go with friends, or host some of your top clients at work.
Fans who want to watch the race, should shop our selection of Reserved tickets. Reserved seats cost a bit more than the general admission seats in the Infield, but will have track view to see the race. In-fact, we do not recommend buying Infield tickets unless you are just looking for the party. At Churchill Downs, the higher the level, the more exclusive the seating since seats at a high elevation have views of both sides of the track. Close proximity to the finish line is another big driver of value. Many tickets also come with hospitality amenities as well, which are described in the ticket notes. The vast majority of the seating we sell is in the Grandstand and Clubhouse sections on the First, Second, and Third Floor. We also sell Millionaire’s Row Tables, Turf Club, Skye Terrace, Jockey Club Suites, Trophy Rooms, Interior Premium Boxes and we can even get you into the Mansion the most exclusive area at the track.
If you plan on meeting friends, please note that grandstand seats do not have access to any level of the Clubhouse, but Clubhouse seat holders can visit the grandstands. Within the Clubhouse and Grandstands you can go down to lower floor, but you cannot go to a floor higher than you are ticketed. Everything above the third floor has access to the grandstand and clubhouse areas, but the various rooms may require a ticket specific to the area.
Derby Week Events (Oaks & Thurby)
The Kentucky Oaks is held the day before the Derby. It is the second most attended Horse Race in the World, drawing upwards of 120,000 some years. The Oaks is popular with the Louisville area horse racing fans and most Derby attendees also attend the Oaks. The Kentucky Oaks fanfare is right up there with Derby with a slightly smaller crowd. Ticket prices for the Oaks are typically significantly cheaper than premium Derby ticket prices.
The Thursday prior to the Derby is known as the Kentucky Thurby. The Thurby is a full day of racing action that is preferred by many locals who want to experience Churchill Downs before the bigger crowds arrive for the Oaks and Derby. The Thurby is definitely the best deal of the week with many tickets generally available for under $100 per seat. If you are seeking cheap tickets to Churchill Downs, then look at options for the Thurby.
Derby Parties
There are many popular events around the Derby in Louisville. Among the most popular is the Barnstable Brown Party, a black tie affair held the night before the Derby. The Fillies and Lilies Party at the Kentucky Derby Museum is another popular option. Fans who are looking for the ultimate Kentucky Derby experience can request a customized Derby Package, which includes Tickets, Hotel + More.
Horse Racing Triple Crown
If you are a big horse racing fan you may want to attend the Triple Crown in 2024. The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the three race Triple Crown that also includes the Preakness and Belmont. The Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Park in Maryland and The Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in New York are the other two.