“Until you go to Kentucky and see, with your own eyes, a Kentucky Derby, you ain’t never been nowhere and you ain’t never seen nothin’!” Irvin S. Cobb, the famous columnist from Paducah, Kentucky, knew exactly what he was talking about. It’s been more than 80 years since he passed, but his quote remains immaculate to this day. That definitely tells you about the genius of the man, no doubt. But it also makes one wonder about the Kentucky Derby’s timeless magnificence.
The legendary race had its first run in 1875, and over 150 years later, it remains as entertaining and as exhilarating as if it were brand new. Just look at 2024’s ‘Run to the Roses,’ and you will know exactly what we’re talking about. This race is indeed worthy of the moniker ‘The greatest two minutes in sports.’ And it will be no different this time around. Just 2 weeks to go, and we know the trainers and jockeys are ready. But what about you? Are you still contemplating how to be a part of this riveting spectacle? Well, Churchill Downs has an assortment of options you can choose from to enjoy the 151st edition.
How much do you have to pay to watch the Kentucky Derby?
This race regularly sees a 155,000-strong crowd at the racecourse; many of them are avid horse racing enthusiasts who return for the action (not just celebrities). For such special attendees who revel in the thrill and festivity of the Derby, the organizers provide a special ‘Personal Seat License’ option that allows the attendees to book some of the best seats in the house for up to 3 years. These seats are spread across the Grandstand, Clubhouse, and Paddock area and give the spectator the best Derby experience on the race days. These ticket owners also have the right to buy season tickets.
The Grandstand area, close to the starting gates, overlooks the dirt and turf racetracks. On the 1st and 2nd floors, it consists of bleacher-style seats, which are also outdoors. You have to purchase these seats in quantities of 6 tickets or fewer per household, and prices range from $285 to $285-$350 per seat, which covers both the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks race days. In case you don’t know, the Kentucky Oaks is the race of 3-year-old fillies just the day before the Derby race.
Grandstand bleacher seats 1st floor – Sections 121-128
Grandstand bleacher seats 2nd floor – Second floor – Sections 221-225
The Grandstand area also gives you the option of choosing stadium-style seats, which you will find on the 2nd floor (sections 226-228). These outdoor tickets cost $610 per seat (covering both Kentucky Derby and Oaks days). For $610, you will also get access to the Taste of Derby, a food and wine event that will take place on May 1st, Thursday. But that’s not all! The 3rd floor Grandstand area also has PSL options, and Sections 322-325 are almost facing the Infield Tunnel, close to the 1/8th pole. The seat prices in this section start at $2,935.
You would want to try the Grandstand sections this year, as Churchill Downs Incorporated has revamped the area as part of their $80-90 million renovation project. Some of the new additions the attendees will get to enjoy are wagering windows and bars, along with improved seating facilities and more seats as well. But that’s not your only option though for a quality Derby experience. You can look for something in the clubhouse area. Therefore, you’ll have to check out sections 111 to 117 and 120 on the 1st floor.
These clubhouse seats are outdoor box seats, and what makes them so special is that they overlook the finishing stretch of the Kentucky Derby. Naturally, their prices are also on the higher side, and they range between $1,795-$2,575 (both Derby and Oaks days included). But don’t be alarmed. This is the price of each box, which comes with 6 seats. The 2nd floor of the Churchill Downs has only section 212, which has box clubhouse seats, and the price is $2,875.
Lastly, you can also purchase box seats in the 3rd floor sections of 312 to 328, the price ranging from $2,935 and $4,075. One very important thing we must mention is that the ticket prices don’t remain fixed. These are the tentative prices from the month of January, and the prices keep increasing as the Kentucky Derby draws closer. So, maybe you might look for something on the cheaper side. That’s where the Standing Room Only and General Admission (SROGA) benefits come in.
These tickets allow you to get the race express from the Infield and Paddock zones. The Infield General Admission (GA) tickets don’t give you a seat, but hey, attendees are allowed to bring their own chairs and picnic blankets. This area also doesn’t give you access to the actual Kentucky Derby, but the largest 4K, Ultra HD LED video board in the world, set up in the grounds, allows you to catch the live action so clearly that it’s worth every penny.
You can buy a maximum of 12 GA tickets per household. The price for the Kentucky Derby day is $105, and that for the Oaks is $70. However, if you are looking for a 2-day package ticket, the price becomes $160. The SROGA facilities come in many varieties, like the Infield Final Turn GA ticket, which basically gives you frontside access to the final turn of the race (also overlapping with the starting gate area). You can still catch the whole race on the 4K video board. And as for the price, it is $366 per person (Derby and Oaks Day package).
What are some of the special seats that attendees can enjoy at Churchill Downs?
When you’re coming to watch the Kentucky Derby, what you’re looking for is a transcendent experience, not just to feel the adrenaline rush of the race, but also to soak in the sophistication and the class of the event. Celebrities and style icons come to the Kentucky Derby for a magical time, to connect with their peers while sipping mint juleps, and obviously see one horse be crowned the Kentucky Derby Winner, like Mystik Dan in 2024.
For that, Churchill Downs has some of the classiest and all-inclusive seats, like the Skye Box. This outdoor box lets you access to enhanced track views while also letting the guests enjoy the club atmosphere right behind the boxes. Each box can be shared by 6 or 8 guests, and what’s more is that this outdoor box is covered. Obviously, this makes Skye Box one of the priciest seats at the Kentucky Derby. But hey, these seats are booked till 2026, so that tells you all you need to know about the Kentucky Derby.
Similar top-class viewing experiences you can enjoy include the Spires Terrace & Suites. This open-air dining terrace allows attendees a view of both the racetrack and the paddocks. Part of the 3rd Floor Clubhouse and Turf Terrace, one can get a 360° view of the Churchill Downs racetrack. But moving on, let’s look at a few more ticket prices, which you can consider if you’re looking to splurge.
The Starting Gate Rail Boxes will give you an up-close frontside track view of the starting gates. Placed along the outer rail of the track, the ticket price of a seat is $2,116 per guest. Homestretch Club Reserved Seating will allow you to see from your stadium-like uncovered seating the Kentucky Derby Winner’s Circle, as well as views of the Homestretch. But if you want to take a break, you can easily step back and go to the private temperature-controlled club on the first level.
At $2,015, you get to enjoy the Chef’s Table Buffet (all inclusive) as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, whichever way you wanna go. One of the priciest ones is the Starting Gate Box Seats on the 3rd level. At $2,241 per guest, this box accommodates 6 guests. The outdoor seats are padded and fold-down.
But there are some (comparatively) less pricey options too. The Starting Gate Courtyard Reserved Seating at $970 per guest is one of the additions this year at the Grandstand area. The Turf Bleachers Reserved Seating is also a cheaper option at $721 per guest. Availing this ticket gives you a ground-level view of the race and also the paddock areas. And it comes with an all-inclusive facility.
Another one is the First Turn Reserved Seating, which is available for $1311 per guest. It is a covered stadium-style outdoor seat with all-inclusive privileges. Most importantly, this has become the choice of angle for the media as it gives them access to see the connections walk the contenders from their barn to the paddock before the race starts. A key shot, and you can get this view for yourself.
So, hurry and go to Ticketmaster.com to see which is the best seat available for you. And in case you are interested in the Kentucky Derby Festival, let us tell you what is in store for you and how much it would cost you.
What are the other events on offer, and how much do you need to pay?
The Kentucky Derby is an extravaganza that starts on April 26 with the Opening Night, followed by Dawn at the Downs on April 27 and 28. Then comes 502’sDay on April 29, with Winsday on April 30. May 1st is the Thurby Day, where the theme is Kentucky celebration. Finally, May 2 and 3 are the Kentucky race days. You can get the GA ticket for all 6 events (minus Dawn at the Downs) for $220. You can upgrade to more facilities and privileges for higher prices, whatever suits you.
And you can also avail yourself of the individual event days based on your taste and preferences. For that, we can help you with giving an overview of what’s on offer. It’s a week of merriment, celebration, and a carnival like none other. A long, jubilant week, culminating in ‘the fastest two minutes in sports.’ Let’s celebrate it together!
The post How Much are Kentucky Derby Tickets For? Experiencing Horse Racing Like Never Before appeared first on EssentiallySports.
