Making the Most of Your First Kentucky Derby Experience: On Your Own or Book a Package?
- Bucket List Travel Junkie, Sharon Harrison
- May 8, 2024
- 3 min read
by Sharon Harrison
The Kentucky Derby is one of the biggest bucket list locations in the world. Over 150,000 people gather at Churchill Downs to cheer on their favorite horse, making this a bigger event than the Super Bowl!
If this is your first time going to the Kentucky Derby, there is a lot to think about? Where should we get our tickets? Where is parking and how much? What things can we take into the track? How is betting done? With a little planning and a few tips, you will be prepared for your first experience at Churchill Downs, whether you decide to plan the whole thing yourself, or opt to purchase a package deal and leave all the details up to someone else. Either way, just GO, you will be so glad you did!
Tips if you want to navigate the Derby on your own:
Wear comfortable shoes or take a pair of flip flops to change into while walking around during the day.
2. Take sunscreen and chapstick as you will be sitting outside.
3. Take a clear rain poncho to slide on over your Derby attire, in case of rain.
Umbrellas are not allowed. We saw a big pile of abandoned umbrellas at the entrance.
4. Head to the bathrooms before it becomes an "emergency" because lines will be long!
5. Check the official Kentucky Derby website for the list of prohibited items.
6. Tickets are non-refundable.
7. All tickets are digital. Tickets will not be replaced. There is no will-call.
8. Onsite parking must be pre-purchased and passes will be mailed to you.
Free parking is available at the Kentucky Exposition Center, and shuttles will take you to the track.
9. I recommend the TwinSpires app for betting and looking up information about the horses. If you don't want to use an app to bet, take lots of cash because it will be quicker when betting in the long lines.
10. Re-entry is NOT allowed. Once you leave, you are done for the day.
11. Check the website for Derby week events such as parades and parties.
12. General admission and infield tickets are not all-inclusive. All others include free food and drinks.
13. Wear a big, fancy hat or fascinator. Dress up, this is like a fashion show!
14 Buy your tickets early to get better seats, and they do sell out or become more expensive!
15. Take binoculars!
OR... BOOK A PACKAGE DEAL!
It is definitely easier to book a package deal through an agency that will put together the whole experience for you. The one we used was Benchwarmer Sports. We paid one price, which covered lodging for three nights at Drury Inn & Suites Louisville East (may change in the future), reserved first floor grandstand seats at both the Kentucky Oaks and the Derby, transportation from the hotel to and from Churchill Downs for both days, unlimited food and drink (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) at Churchill Downs for two days, daily breakfast at the hotel for two days, and on-site tour staff.
We were glad we booked the all-inclusive tour through Benchwarmer Sports! The parking and the crowds were crazy! It was nice to be driven there and be taken back to the hotel and not have to worry about where we needed to go or how to get back. The bus driver parked in a small lot a short distance from the track and we walked to the entrance.
Benchwarmer Sports had other nice options available. You could upgrade your seats from bench seating all the way up to the best seats in the house. You could add a night before or after to extend your time in Louisville. And, you could add on sightseeing tours. They were very good to accommodate any need a person might have.
I highly recommend Benchwarmer Sports for a wonderfully planned and executed adventure!!!
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