Kentucky Derby Tickets

2020 Derby Tickets (Fall Race)

First the first time in history, the Kentucky Derby will be run in the Fall. The Derby is now scheduled for Saturday, September 5th - and tickets ordered for original race date (May 2nd) will be honored at new date. This is a one-time opportunity for horse racing fans to be at Churchill Downs in the early Fall for the greatest horse race in the World.

Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most popular sporting events in the United States. 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.

One of the popular elements of the Kentucky Derby is it offers some of the most affordable starting price of all major sporting events. General Admission seats, that provide access to the paddock but not a track view, generally sells for under $100. Reserved seats are a bit more, but will have either a track view from your seats or the ability to view the race in designated aisles.

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 seat 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 or surveying the spectacle remember 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. Our venue tab, on this Derby page, gives a detailed breakdown of the seating options at Churchill Downs.

Kentucky Oaks

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. Prices are typically 20%-25% of Derby prices.

The Thurby

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.

Triple Crown

The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the three race Triple Crown. The Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Park in Maryland and The Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in New York are the other two.

Derby Festival Events

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 Musuem is another popular option.

Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs is located in south Louisville west of Churchill park at interstate 65. Churchill Downs usually seats 50,000 however, crowds during the derby sometimes exceed 150,000 as additional areas are opened to accommodate the event.

1st & 2nd Floor Grandstand

The 1st Floor Grandstand runs from section 121 to section 128. It is among the most affordable options for viewing the races on Derby Day. All seats are along the final stretch and allow you to get close to the track. The seating style is aluminum bleachers. The 2nd Floor Grandstand is very similar to the First but it offers a higher vantage point for watching the finish. All seats on the 1st floor and most on the 2nd Floor Grandstands are uncovered and not shaded, be sure to plan accordingly with the weather as most people tend to spend around 4-5 hours at the track on Derby Day.

3rd Floor Grandstand

The 3rd Floor Grandstand offers box seating and shaded seating under cover for tickets on row D or higher. The seats are grouped in piped off boxes of six, with folding chairs that can be arranged in any way you see fit or folded up and put away to allow for more room. The higher elevation allow you view the horses coming into and leaving the turns longer. The 3rd Floor Grandstand runs from sections 322 to 328.

First Floor Clubhouse

Sections 111 to 120 make up the First Floor Clubhouse. Every section at the track tells story, but for the First Floor Clubhouse the nuances from section to section are noteworthy. Sit in 119 if you want to see the horses up close and personal. This is where the horses exit the paddock for the track. You may even catch a jockey’s goggles. Section 117 is right on the finish line, bring your camera for a once in a life time shot. Sections 111 while technically a clubhouse is a bit removed from the action and other seats. We advise against sitting there a as first time attendee, as almost all seats are uncovered except for the last rows of select sections.

Third Floor Clubhouse

The third floor clubhouse, is the minimum level of ticket for most seasoned Derby attendees. With elevated views near the finish line, the seats views are the best at the track by most accounts. All seats are box seats, with seats closer to the finish line offering 8 seat boxes with your own betting machine and television. Sit on the Third Floor Clubhouse if you want to be among the horse owners, trainers and the who’s who of the thoroughbred world. Covered seating begins on row D, although on a beautiful day there is not a better seat than a row A box near the finish line. If you're not planning sitting you can purchase a Third Floor Walkaround which has access to the Third Floor Clubhouse but no assigned seat.

Infield General Admission

The area provides a fun large-party atmosphere and is an inexpensive way to attend the event but no view of the track. If you are just there for the party, upgrade to the Infield Club which includes access to a VIP lounge area that features cocktail service, half-price menu items, large screen TV’s and monitors at each table along with private betting window and executive bathrooms.

Turf Club

Located on the finish line just behind the 3rd Floor Clubhouse seats is the Turf Club. This is where you can rub elbows with A list celebrities and athletes. Tickets are sold by the table with 4 and 6 tops being the most common. There are also Turf Club Walkarounds available as an add on to third floor clubhouse tickets or higher. Walkarounds will not have a seat. Once inside all beverages are complimentary and table holders receive a full meal.

Kentucky Derby Luxury Seats

We offer tickets for the Jockey Club Suites, 5th Floor Finish Line Suites, and Turf Club Boxes. Suites usually accommodate up to 24 people and include full catering, private wagering and balconies that provide a perfect view of the action.

Millionaires Row & Skye Terrace

Millionaires Row (4th Floor & 6th Floor) provide a the traditional Kentucky Derby luxury experience. Round tables of eight here provides a great set up to revel in between races. You can step outside to watch the races from a private four tiered balcony. The Skye Terrance is adjacent to Millionaires row and offers the similar amenities but a more relaxed experience.

Kentucky Derby Parking Passes

Fans attending the Derby can purchase a Parking Pass in one of the reserved lots near Churchill Downs. Parking passes are available for the Oaks and Derby.