Has anyone ever bought the hotel/derby ticket package that the Louisville Convention Bureau offers? I'm not sure if the seats are any good, or if the price works out to be cheaper than buying tickets from a ticket agency now. I'm assuming the longer I wait, the more expensive the tickets will be from the ticket agencies, and the Convention bureau packages won't be available until mid Jan. I'm looking for grandstand seats.

If you don't already have seats, seats for the Derby on garnered only on a lottery-type basis + you'll have to buy Oaks Tix for Friday. I have gotten them since I lived there (12 years ago) & my Derby seats are still in the Grandstand in the infield. If you want to be in the main grandstand (if that is what they are offering), I would say it is well worth it.

We also typically fly into Cincinnati, it is only an hour away & the flights will be much cheaper. We usually stay up that way as well, in lieu of Louisville proper.

Thanks for your help

One way to get grandstand seats is to do the Delta Queen Steamboat company's package. They have been doing this for many, many years and they do offer grandstand seats. (Be forewarned: it is not cheap...)