There are few biggest sporting events on the international calendar than the Kentucky Derby. That will be especially the case in 2024, as the 150th Kentucky Derby will be staged at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.
It is expected to be one of the most attended racedays in the history of the race, with thousands of fans traveling from far afield to get closer to the action on track. This year’s Derby will be one of the age with one of the highest horse betting payouts. It is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions of the race in recent memory.
But, what should first-time visitors to the Derby be thinking about before booking their trip to Churchill Downs.
Booking Flights
Many of the visitors that will be attending the Kentucky Derby will be coming from other locations in the United States, or further afield. Therefore, the airports will be busy in the lead up to the Derby, and flights should be booked well in advance of the Derby.
Louisville is the nearest airport to Churchill Downs, but it can often be a very expensive airport to fly in and out of, especially around the time of major horse racing events in the area.
Therefore, a preferred option for many is a flight to Chicago, which will be a cheaper alternative. From here, many visitors opt to hire a car for a few days and drive from the Windy City to the Louisville area, which is around a four-hour drive. It may not be the most straightforward route, but it saves money that can be later used at Churchill Downs.
Accommodation
One of the trickiest factors that will need to be sorted by those looking to attend the Derby comes in the form of accommodation. You’ll need to have somewhere to stay if you’re traveling to the area for a few days for the Derby, and hotel prices can often increase in price quickly after the tickets for the event go on sale.
Staying in downtown Louisville is often the best choice for many, as there will be direct busses and shuttles to and from the racecourse throughout the day to ensure that you don’t need to worry about driving.
Accommodation should be sorted as quickly as possible to ensure that you don’t miss out on a perfect location. As well as hotels, there are an excellent selection of Air BnB options, which could be a more affordable option, especially if you are travelling as part of a group.
Get Tickets Early
The tickets for the Derby go on sale in early November every year, and those looking to attend should move quickly in order to get the best possible tickets. The prices of the tickets do differ, meaning that there is something for everyone, regardless of whether you want to spend big to spend the day like royalty, or whether you’re looking for the most affordable option to just get through the gate and get a first hand experience of the Derby in person.
One of the cheapest options available is the General Admission, which will see the visitors located infield for the day. This option is available at around $65. If you’re looking to spend big and live like a king throughout the day, then the Millionaire’s Row option may appeal most, but these will cost $10,000 each. However, there isn’t a bad ticket available for the Derby, meaning that you should only pay for the ticket that is best for your financial needs.
Take A Day In Before The Derby
While the Derby is the standout raceday of the week at Churchill Downs, it isn’t the only day that there is action on track. There are six weeks of action on track before the race, meaning that there are more than enough opportunities for visitors to get down to the track and experience what the Derby could feel like.
It is a perfect opportunity to have a good look around one of the most famous race tracks in the United States, as ticket prices are cheaper and there are usually smaller crowd sizes.
It is often encouraged for newcomers to Churchill Downs to attend at least one of the smaller race days before the Derby, as it will present the perfect opportunity to scout out the best possible places to stand and mingle before the huge crowds descend on the track for the big day itself.
When Is The 150th Kentucky Derby?
The big date for the diary in 2024 will be Saturday, May 4th. Churchill Downs will present the 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby, with horses aged three competing over 1 ¼ miles in the opening Triple Crown race of the season in the United States.