8 Tips for Churchill Downs Derby Week Visitors

Hello friends. You and I are friends, right? I know you may have been to Keeneland or spent an evening at Churchill, but trust me, the Kentucky Derby is a different kind of animal. I can’t let you get up a creek without a paddle. That’s why I have a few insider tips for folks who are making their way to Churchill Downs with hundreds of thousands of other racing enthusiasts this weekend.

There is Free Parking for some Churchill Downs Patrons

If you purchased a ticket to the frontside of the track, it’s your ticket to free parking at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center. Enter Gates 2, 4 or 6 and use your ticket as your parking pass. Shuttles arrive regularly to make the short jaunt down Central Avenue. It moves efficiently, but it still takes a bit to get going, so give yourself an extra 10-15 minutes.

If you’re like me and prefer to live life on the wild side with a general admission pass, you’re on your own. There are plenty of opportunities in neighborhoods that will cost you between $20-$100, but the best spot all depends on where you’re coming from and how far you are willing to walk.

A word from the wise, Seventh Street is probably the most effective artery to get in and out of the area. More info on parking and travel can be found here.

Don’t be a Fool, Wear Comfortable Shoes

Don’t put on your blue suede shoes. Bring the ones you’re willing to walk in for a few miles. Even if you do not hike a mile to get to the track like some bloggers, you’re going to be on your feet quite a bit while canvassing the cavernous Churchill Downs. Nobody wants to be the one who spends more time carrying their shoes than wearing them.

Bring Cash to Churchill Downs

The call to the post, riders up, the garland of roses — those are all excellent Kentucky Derby traditions. None are as amusing as this Kentucky Oaks tradition in the Infield, the march of the Zoomers to the ATM. The youths in pink think you can go to a racetrack and just use a credit card the whole time. While the all-inclusive aspect has changed the way things operate Kentucky Derby weekend, cash is always king at the racetrack.

A Poncho is a Good Idea

WDRB’s Jude Redfield provided a rather optimistic forecast on the backside Thursday morning. The only rain showed that could hit may wait until after the running of the Kentucky Oaks. Even so, spring is unpredictable in the Ohio Valley. Toting around a foldable poncho is never a bad idea.

Mix in a Water

If you think you could use a water, go ahead, dive in. It’s a long day and those Mint Juleps and Oaks Lilies go down easily, maybe too easily. Never hesitate to mix in that water, and if you’re going to the Infield, bring your own water! Sealed water bottles are admissible and encouraged. Each patron can bring two 24 ounce bottles.

Churchill Downs Infield Necessities

The water bottles are a must. If you want to be a real Infield hero, pack a lunch in a clear Ziploc bag. It will come in handy at about 2 pm EST. A sandwich with a granola bar and some crackers will go a long way.

How do you carry said lunch? Purses and bags are permitted as long as they are smaller than 1-foot in any dimension. Alcohol is not permitted in said bags, but if you tuck in a plastic flask somewhere else, security probably won’t find it.

Foldable chairs are also allowed at the Infield Tunnel gate across from Wagner’s Pharmacy. However, it can be a pain to lug around a chair to and from the track. I prefer the 10×10 blanket or tarp that’s lighter, foldable and gets the job done.

Find a complete list of prohibited items here.

Bring Your Own Cigars, NOT your Cutter

The price mark-ups for stogies are ridiculous. Bring your own, but leave the cutter at home. It has a blade so it can be a “weapon.” Cut or punch them in advance, or stop by one of the smokers’ huts and they’ll take care of you.

Don’t Bet on Rich Strike

Last year’s Derby winner is back at Churchill Downs. He likes the course, but you’re better off lighting your money on fire than betting it on Rich Strike.