Can anyone tell me what the Infield Bleachers are like? Is it a good place to be vs the regular infield crowd for the Kentucky Derby?

Also, has anyone stayed in Holiday Inn hotels in Jefferstown, La Grange or Shelbyville? Is the drive ok to the Derby?

The infield is absolutely insane. That being said, if there are bleacher seats, I'd imagine they'd attract a slightly more sedate crowd, I presume on a first-come, first-served basis. No matter where you are in the infield, it's tough to see horses (except on the jumbotron screens) and the lines at the betting windows are a mile long and filled with drunk teen-agers (not that there's anything wrong with that, it is Derby after all).

J-town is a Louisville suburb, about 20-30 minutes from the track. La Grange is farther east, probably 40-45 minutes, and Shelbyville is still farther east (about half way to Lexington), so figure about an hour. All depending on traffic of course. If you're running late and get stuck, all bets are off.

To avoid crazy traffic, it's best to get there when the gates open, early, which makes for a l-o-n-g day.

Enjoy the Derby!!

The infield is the infield, bleachers or not. If you can't get seats in the grandstand, please consider going to The Oaks on Friday. Big crowd, same atmosphere, but certainly more grown-up & polished.

thanks for your answers. that was sorta my next question. How are the seats in the lower grandstands, on the other side of the track? Is there anything special about them? Any extra perks?

If you don't already have them, you'll likely pay an arm & a leg. I am on a mailing list & those on the list get dibs on Oaks & Derby tickets every year. They then sell the leftovers. I don't know if they reserve any for the public or not. In order to get Derby tickets you also HAVE to purchase Oaks tickets. That mailing occured several months ago for 2004.

ttt

Message SAnParis: I absolutly love horse racing and have talked my friends to going to the derby in 2006. How do I get on that mailing list? I would like a grand stand seats for both the Oaks and the Derby. I just can't wait to wear a hat, drink mint julips and sing My Old Kentucky Home.

We want to spend the entire week on Derby activities. We went to the Breeder's Cup at Santa Anita this year and had to get on the mailing list for that too.

Thanks for any info you can provide.

I was interested in the Derby as well. What about trying to get tickets from a broker? I know it will cost more, but I'm not willing to spend years on a waiting list. So has anyone used a ticket broker before?

lahainaluna:

If you want to go to the Derby in 2006, then you would need to write Churchill Downs with a ticket request between May and September of next year. There is no guarantee that you will get tickets, as it is done by lottery. However, if they are able to grant your ticket request, then they will let you know around October of 2005.

Thank you Kostroma! I'll put that on my calendar now.

I really do know the Kentucky Derby.


That said, look for alligator and some post notes. I just wrote him a long to do and not to do list.

Thi infield is students. Bleacher seats are far better than just standing all day. The Derby race is always the 10th Race. The Kentucky Oaks is on Friday and The 130the Kentuck Derby is on Saturday.

Just allow extra time for everythin including security check.

Tickets are closesd for sale in September for advance sales. Lefovers will be available and will run the gamit in price from 10,000+ up to much much less.

Ladies by tradition should wear a hat and gloves, Gentlemen should wear at least a blazer.

Lentcuky Colonel,
DGPUCKETT
Texas

TICKETS FOR THE 130THE KENTUCKY DERBY, AND THE KENTUCKY OAKS:

YES THERE IS A VERY GOOD BROKER.

His name is Gary and lives in Austin, Texas. He is a Kentucky boy like me moved to Texas.

He is aready in on site in Kentucky.

www.ticketcity.com

Tell him I sent you.


Kentucky Colonel
DGPUCKETT
Texas