When it comes to horse racing, there’s nothing quite like the Kentucky Derby. From prestige to the purse, to equine perfection and who could forget the unforgettable smell of the track. It’s a show like no other and we imagine that this year’s edition despite some recent tragedy, will be as exciting as any other.
What are ticket prices like for the 2023 Kentucky Derby?
So, you want to attend horse racing’s biggest event, but you’re not sure how to get tickets and more importantly how much they’re going to cost you. Well, you’ve got a few options. Firstly you can go with your usual ticket sources for major events such as ticketsmarter or seatgeek, however, your best bet for packages - if that’s your thing - is probably going to be the official website of the Kentucky Derby itself. There you will find the packages which as you can imagine are extremely coveted for this event.
The @KentuckyDerby is already expecting a record turnout this year and at least 170,000 attendees based off of advance ticket sales 'and other metrics'
The mark to beat is 170,513 in 2015
Between celebrities and fashion, the red carpet is always a spectacle pic.twitter.com/yDgzUyvRrx
Indeed, those interested in attending can visit Derby Experiences to see a variety of packages combining Derby and Oaks seats with access to exclusive lounges, hotels, transportation, accommodations and more. At the time of writing package prices ranged from roughly $1,270 to $7,370 per person.
What about seating options?
To be clear, there are a range of seating options available at Churchill Downs. If you’d like to sit in the Grandstand where you will find backless bleacher-style seating on the first and second levels, then you’re looking at just short of $600 per person. These seats offer a few of the finishing stretch. Additionally, there are also stadium-style seats available on the second floor which overlook the turf and dirt tracks. Via the derby’s resale site, these started at approximately $920.
This weekend is the most famous horse race in the world, the @KentuckyDerby. It is also the oldest continuously running sports event in the U.S.
The first race in 1875 was held in front of a crowd of ~10,000. In 2022, the listed attendance was 147,294
Here are some details 🧵 pic.twitter.com/71yqtISYsE
Of course, if you’d like to splash the cash you can also get one of the boxes which are located on the first and third levels and contain six seats. Naturally these are more expensive and will run you in the realm of $3,000. Lastly, we’ve got the infield reserved seats. These are situated in an uncovered bleacher - temporarily constructed - and offer a view of the final stretch along with access to betting windows, restrooms, the front side of the track and Paddock areas, as well as food, nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages. These start at around $750.
Are there cheap tickets for the Kentucky Derby?
Thankfully, yes. It’s not all about the swank and swing this weekend, for those who’d like to take in the action without paying out a downpayment on a house, you can actually purchase “general admission” tickets from the official website for just under $90. For that price you will be granted access to the infield, however, there will be no seating, access to the Paddock, nor front side seating areas. There’s no inclusive food or drinks either. For a slightly more economic option it might make sense to go with a two-day ticket which will run you approximately $135.
FAQs
Those interested in attending Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks can also visit Derby Experiences to see a variety of packages combining Derby and Oaks seats with access to exclusive lounges, hotel and transportation accommodations and more. As of late January, package prices range from $1,261 to $7,369 per person.
How do you get Kentucky Derby tickets? ›
Tickets can be purchased online through the Kentucky Derby website forms Contact form , Ticketmaster, Derby Experiences Ticket Package, or by contacting a Kentucky Derby Sales Representative at sales@kyderby.com.
How much is general admission at the Kentucky Derby? ›
In place of the simple, ground-level experience that's existed since the 1980s is a new multi-level, Coliseum-like structure that's offering elevated views at premium prices. Reserved seating for Kentucky Derby 150 at Churchill Downs starts at $650, while general admission, standing-room-only tickets start at $275.
How much are Kentucky Derby tickets 2023? ›
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS
Prices begin at $40 for the Kentucky Oaks and $60 for the Kentucky Derby. Starting January 1, pricing for general admission will increase to $70 for the Kentucky Derby and $45 for the Oaks.
Is general admission to the Kentucky Derby worth it? ›
General admission tickets are the cheapest way to see the Derby and run $87 this year for both Oaks and Derby. But you'll only catch a fraction of a glimmer of a live horse and instead watch the races on that big screen.
Where is the best place to get tickets for the Kentucky Derby? ›
Ticketmaster hosts the official resale marketplace for Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks tickets. But you can also check other resale sites like StubHub and SeatGeek to see what General Admission tickets are currently selling for — but don't wait much longer, because they won't get any cheaper.
What is general admission like at the Kentucky Derby? ›
General Admission Tickets ARE NOT All-Inclusive and have no access to the frontside of track. Mobile ticket is the only available delivery method for the 2-day Plan General Admission tickets. General Admission guests are not guaranteed a direct view of the racetrack.
How much does it cost to watch the Kentucky Derby in person? ›
You can experience the Derby in a variety of ways, grabbing everything from a piece of turf on the grounds (without a track view) to a luxury box. Here are some of your options. $2 Bettor: A general admission ticket will get you into Churchill Downs. On race day, it's $82 or $87 if you purchase a resale ticket.
Do Derby tickets include food and drink? ›
All-Inclusive Seating For the 2021 Kentucky Derby and Oaks, all reserved seating (clubhouse boxes and grandstand boxes & bleachers) will include food, non-alcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverages. For Thurby 2021, all reserved seating will include food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Is food free at the Kentucky Derby? ›
All reserved seating will be All-Inclusive (with food, non-alcohol and alcoholic beverages) for the Kentucky Derby & Kentucky Oaks and include access to offsite parking at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center and race day program.
Resale Available Starting at $1,617
Grandstand box seats are typically groups of 6 padded fold-down seats on the third level of the facility. Boxes are located outdoors, overlooking the dirt and turf racetracks, and along the finishing stretch.
What is Kentucky Derby attire? ›
For some that might mean bold, bright, floral looks and for others it's a chance to showcase a refined elegance. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to Derby dressing, in part because what you wear has much to do with where you plan to spend the day.
What is the dress code for Millionaires Row Churchill Downs? ›
Amenities. Do's: Jackets and blazers optional. Vests, shirts with collars, sweaters, dresses, pantsuits, dress jeans, dress shorts and slacks are appropriate, as are golf shorts and capris.
Can you wear jeans to the Kentucky Derby? ›
Casual Attire is permitted in the Turf Club, Trophy Room, and Millionaires Row, as well as in all other seating areas including the Grand Stand, which means: Jackets optional, blazers. Vests, collared shirts and sweaters.
Can a woman wear pants to the Kentucky Derby? ›
They're just not fancy enough! Denim is a big NO-NO for this event. Derby day is a day for spring dresses (both long and short), suits, leather shoes and heels. If you insist on wearing pants at all, they should be loose, fancy, and paired with eye-catching accessories.
What tickets are best for the Kentucky Derby? ›
The best grandstand seats at the Kentucky Derby are in the first covered rows – D, E, and F – of the third floor. Book in section 322 and 323 to reserve seats closest to the finish line.
Is there a dress code to attend the Kentucky Derby? ›
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to Derby dressing, in part because what you wear has much to do with where you plan to spend the day. But the same rule goes for everyone in attendance: dress to impress.
Is the Kentucky Derby invite only? ›
Tickets to the Kentucky Derby are sold every fall for the following year's event, by invitation only. Access the online sign up form on the Kentucky Derby website to register for an invitation to the official sale. Enter your name, email address, city, state, and zip code.
Are drinks free at the Kentucky Derby? ›
All reserved seating will be All-Inclusive (with food, non-alcohol and alcoholic beverages) for the Kentucky Derby & Kentucky Oaks and include access to offsite parking at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center and race day program.
