If you’re planning your 2024 Kentucky Derby trip, know that there are new seating options and, yes, new prices.
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Different seating options this year are largely thanks to the overhaul of the Paddock. 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.
Here’s some essential information about your ticket options for the 150th Run for the Roses.
How to get 2024 Kentucky Derby tickets
The safest bet to get your Kentucky Derby tickets is at kentuckyderby.com/seating-experiences. This website outlines the various seating options and associated amenities and experiences.
Ticketmaster hosts the official fan-to-fan resale marketplace for Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks tickets.
Those planning to attend both the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks can also check out Derby Experiences to see various packages that combine Derby and Oaks tickets with access to exclusive lounges, hotel and transportation accommodations and more. As of mid-January, package prices range from $2,999 to $12,091 per person.
Where can I sit at Churchill Downs during the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
Know that not all tickets on Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks days include seating. Here’s a run-down on your ticket options that do include a seat.
Grandstand seats: The backless bleacher-style seating (both covered and uncovered) on the first and second levels of Churchill Downs comes with a view of the finishing stretch. Derby Day tickets are available in this section on the Derby’s resale website starting at a little over $1,000 in late January.
Box seats: Boxes contain six padded, fold-down seats and are located on the first, second and third levels. There are covered and uncovered options. Very limited resale seats were available as of mid-January, with some resale tickets priced at more than $3,700 each.
Homestretch Club: Ticketholders in this section have access to a temperature-controlled, first-floor clubhouse. These uncovered stadium-style seats offer an up-close view of the homestretch. Resale tickets start at $3,500, as of mid-January.
First Turn Reserved Seating: Making its Kentucky Derby debut in 2023, these covered, grandstand-style padded seats offer views of the Kentucky Derby walkover and access to dedicated food, drink and restroom amenities. Resale tickets start around $1,250, as of mid-January.
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Infield reserved seats: Seating for the infield is limited to a set of temporary structures. Uncovered turf bleacher seating includes a view of the final stretch of the Kentucky Derby race and faces the grandstand. These seats have access to betting windows, restrooms, the front side of the track, and Paddock areas and include food, and nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Resale tickets start in the mid-$900s, as of mid-January.
All tickets with a reserved seat are all-inclusive, regardless if it’s a box with a chair or a bleacher seat. They include food and beverages to cut down on lines and limit cash exchanges. General admission infield tickets, however, are not all-inclusive.
Kentucky Derby Guide:Everything you need to know ahead of the Run for the Roses
Are there any new seating options for the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
New seating options for the 2024 Kentucky Derby are tied to the entirely reimagined Paddock.
The Paddock, as spectators have known it since the mid-1980s, was demolished ahead of the 2023 Kentucky Derby to make way for a new $200 million multi-level structure, which will debut this year. A slew of different viewing experiences, at different price points, are available.
The most affordable ticket for the new Paddock experience is a general admission ticket that includes a first-floor standing-room view of the Paddock with access to first-floor bathrooms, concessions, and wagering machines. These ticket holders also have access to the plaza. There’s no seat with this ticket option but it does include food and drink.
As of mid-January, these tickets cost $693 for both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.
The rest of the seating options are “premium” offerings in a series of clubs, balconies, suites and loges that Churchill Downs says will offer “unprecedented” views of the Paddock. The Spires Terrace and Suites, for example, is situated under the Twin Spires and will have a luxury all-inclusive food and drink menu. Premium ticket availability can be checked on Churchill Downs’ website or by calling 502-636-4447.
In total, the Paddock project is set to create about 3,000 new premium reserved seats and 3,250 new standing-room-only tickets.
What is the ‘all-inclusive’ ticket for the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
Reserved seats at the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks include all-inclusive food, nonalcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverages. This change, which started in 2021, is meant to cut line times, eliminate cash transactions for food and beverages, and allow guests to try a greater variety of food.
How much are reserved infield seats for the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
This ticketing option includes seats on uncovered turf bleachers, which face the grandstand and include a final stretch view. These seats have access to betting windows, restrooms, the front side of the track and Paddock areas and are inclusive of food, nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages.
As of mid-January, resale tickets start in the mid-$900s.
How can I buy general admission infield tickets for the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
Your most affordable bet to be at Churchill Downs on race day is a general admission infield ticket.
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To buy general admission infield tickets for the 2024 Kentucky Derby, go to kentuckyderby.com/seating-experiences and click on the “standing room only & general admission” section. From there, click on the “infield general admission” section.
These tickets include admission to the infield but no seating nor access to the Paddock area or front-side seating areas. It also is not inclusive of food and drinks, which can be bought on-site. You can, however, bring your own chair or blanket.
Note that these tickets don’t guarantee you a direct view of the racetrack, though the giant video board is easily seen from the infield.
Sold separately are general admission tickets for the final turn section of the infield. These tickets also don’t include a seat and don’t include food and drink. Two-day Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby tickets cost $275 as of mid-January.
Heading to the track on both days? The bundle ticket, as of mid-January, was $160.
Is there another general admission option besides the infield for the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
New this year is a general admission ticket for the frontside of the racetrack, which includes a standing-room view of the Paddock (and access to the first-floor bathrooms, concessions and wagering machines) and plaza.
Just as is the case with the infield general admission ticket, this option doesn’t include a seat (and chairs and blankets can’t be used on the frontside). Unlike the infield general admission ticket, however, it does include food and drink.
Note that there are no direct sight lines to the track itself, so your option for viewing the races will be on new video boards.
As of mid-January, these tickets cost $693 for both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.
What other days can I see racing at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week?
The week of the Kentucky Derby is an especially busy one for Churchill Downs, with events running the entire week.
First up is Opening Night on April 27, Dawn at the Downs on April 28- 29, 502’s Day on April 30, Champions Day on May 1 and Thurby presented by Old Forester on May 2.
The Kentucky Oaks is run on Friday, May 3 and this year, the Kentucky Derby will follow on Saturday, May 4.
Reach reporter Matt Glowicki at [email protected].
Source: https://t-tees.com
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