The Cost of Kentucky Derby Tickets ...

 

Happy Derby Day!

It's a cold one, here in Kentucky - just 50 degrees - which is unusual in Kentucky. Not the coldest Derby Day on record, but cold enough, after being 85 degrees 2 weeks ago!

So the trendy horse to bet on was "The Puma," and here's why - the horse was rumored to have a share owned by Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, and when the trainer and jockey were asked about it, they said they signed an NDA and can neither confirm or deny, leading people to believe that it's true, but who knows?

Regardless, The Puma was scratched this morning due to injury, which is always the right thing to do when a horse is injured (Bob Baffert, I'm talking to YOU).

Otherwise, you can see my picks and why HERE. 

Now - despite living here for over 30 years, I have never been to the Kentucky Derby.

Why, you may ask?

It's pricey!

You can go the official Kentucky Derby website or Churchill Downs, but the tickets with descriptions are a little bit busy and confusing, as well as time-consuming to find out prices, so I'll break it down for you.

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS:

The cheapest tickets are the infield tickets, starting at $132. 

I could have done that - but here's why I didn't.

Even the official Kentucky Derby website describes is as "chaotic." 😂

It's essentially a drunkfest, with or without full frontal nudity, sometimes with mud-sliding when it rains.

You are supposed to dress up out of respect for the tradition, but if you're going to the infield, you shouldn't - unless you're prepared to never wear it again - because you WILL get beer spilled on you, mud on you if raining, and possibly ripped/torn.

Imagine if the infield at the Indy 500 and Woodstock had a baby - that's the infield at the Kentucky Derby.

Also, you may or may not be able to see the actual race. 

If you're going to do it and actually see the race rather than just party, get there super early to pick your spot. 

It is officially labeled "standing room only," but you can bring your own chairs and there are picnic tables, but be prepared for whatever you bring to get knocked down, stolen or otherwise destroyed. 

Where is the infield?

This crush of people at the interior of the track ...

The next step up is still general-admission infield, but near the finish line, for which you are going to pay around $300. 

The next GA step is the "Walkabout" ticket for $700, but you can't see the race at all except on giant video screens, but you do have full dining and unlimited drink privileges.

You have full view of the paddock so that you can see/inspect the horses before they run and before final bets are place, and you have access to waging machines and betting booths. 

This is the ticket for serious betters/gamblers who could care less about seeing the race and it's more about the betting and food/drinks.

RESERVED SEATS/BOXES:

If you want a "box" or seats in the grandstand within the first few rows, it's about $900 to  $1800 per person, depending on whether it's covered or uncovered, and your view of the track (finish line being the highest).

If you want "the courtyard" at the starting gate, those go for $1017,

(So when you see people standing along the fence at the exterior of the track, those are Courtyard seats.) 

If you add dining/drinks to your reserved-seat and courtyard admission ticket, raise that price to $1500 to $10,000 - and yes, it includes drinks.

Now, you would think these are the best seats, like at a concert, but they're not because the "event" isn't fixed in one spot - and in fact, you can't see the full track, only the part of the track directly in front of you - which is why near the finish line are pricier seats. 

Thus, a little higher up in the reserved covered seating is the way to go (which is what I would do, if I had an extra $5,000+ dollars to spend).

You will need to buy your box seats for a group early to avoid getting separated.

SUITES AND CLUBHOUSE SEATING:

On the upper floors with suites, they can range from $105,000 to $400,000, with Millionaire's row at The Clubhouse near the finish line being the highest. 

Some of the boxes are glassed in, some of them have balconies for outdoor viewing - all have upscale catered dining and drinks, as well as tables, chairs, sofas, and TV screens to watch the race as well - just like a suite at the Super Bowl.

Thus, why I've never been to the Derby - I've never been able to justify spending even $1,000 on seats!

(Unless I go infield, which ... no, thank you!)

Otherwise, in just a few hours - Riders Up! 😊