Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs is located in Louisville, Kentucky just west of Churchill Park near Interstate 65. Churchill Downs seats over 50,000, however crowds during the Derby will often exceed 150,000 as there are additional hospitality areas, as well as, tens of thousands of fans in the Infield General Admission sections.
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.
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. If you do not see options listed here that meet your need for luxury seats, you can reach out to us directly on Derby premium seats.
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 as Millionaire's Row but a more relaxed experience.
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. We do not generally recommend fans sit in the Infield unless they are truly there for the party, and not the horse race. If you are just there for the party, you can consider an 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.
Kentucky Derby Parking Passes
Fans attending the Derby, or any races at Churchill Downs, can purchase a Parking Pass in one of the reserved lots near the track. Parking passes are available for the Thurby, Oaks, and Derby. Certain reserved lots may require a short shuttle ride from the parking lot to the venue front door, but those are setup to be convenient and safe for fans attending the race.