How to Buy Kentucky Derby Tickets

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: December 11, 2022 References

The Kentucky Derby is a prestigious racing event that takes place each year on the first Saturday in May. You can attend the event with a budget-friendly general admission ticket or splurge on luxury seats. Tickets may be purchased during the official seat sale, which occurs every fall, or through the official resale platform of the Kentucky Derby.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Purchasing Tickets During the Autumn Sale

1
Sign up online to be invited to the autumn ticket sale. Tickets to the Kentucky Derby are sold every fall for the following year's event, by invitation only. Access the online sign up form on the Kentucky Derby website to register for an invitation to the official sale. Enter your name, email address, city, state, and zip code.
- You will receive ticket and pricing information that is specific to the sale by email after registering.
- Your invitation to the online sale will include specific directions about when and how to purchase tickets.
2
Buy general admission tickets for the most budget-friendly option. General admission tickets to the Kentucky Derby are the cheapest tickets, costing approximately $75. They grant ticket holders access to the paddock area to see the horses saddled before the race, but do not offer any assigned seats. Buy these tickets if you are willing to sit outdoors and watch the race on a large video board from the infield.^{[1]
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- Bring a blanket or folding chair to sit on while you watch the race as seating will not be provided.
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3
Buy a 2-day pass to get reserved seating. The Kentucky Derby has a variety of reserved seat locations, located anywhere between the first turn and the finishing stretch. Buy these tickets if you want to attend both the Kentucky Derby and Oaks days, as these tickets are only available as a 2-day package. Choose between:^{[2]
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- Grandstand bleacher seats, which range from approximately $340-$500.
- Grandstand stadium seats, which cost about $422-$460.
- Box seats, which are sold in groups of 6 seats that range between $2,499-$5995.
- Covered seating with complimentary food and drink, which can be purchased in the Angry Orchard Club, the Courtyard, the Vineyard Vines Club, or the Plaza Balcony, and cost approximately $800-$900.^{[3]
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- Seating in an indoor dining room, which costs approximately $2,750 per person.
4
Purchase a ticket package to cover all the details of your Kentucky Derby experience. Ticket packages are available with extras including lodging, VIP fast access passes, transportation, and access to nearby events. Purchase a ticket package if you are visiting Louisville for the race and want all elements of your trip covered at once. View the available ticket packages on the Kentucky Derby website at https://derbyexperiences.com/kentucky-derby?package-group=View%20All.
- You can filter the listings of different ticket packages on the Kentucky Derby website by price or seating area.
5
Submit an online application to become a luxury suite holder. Private suites are available for patrons who wish to have a private, luxury experience with their guests at the Kentucky Derby. Suite packages include all-inclusive dining, a full bar, reserved parking, and racing programs for all guests. To view the race from a suite, apply online to be a Kentucky Derby suite holder. ^{[4]
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- Complete the corporate hospitality form at https://www.kentuckyderby.com/tickets/ticket-options/corporate-hospitality/corporate-hospitality-form.
- Specific requests should be forwarded to Tricia Speiden, the corporate hospitality sales manager, at (502) 638-3918 or tricia.speiden@kyderby.com.
- View the available suites at the Kentucky Derby at https://www.kentuckyderby.com/uploads/wysiwyg/assets/uploads/2017-SuitesBooklet.pdf.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Buying Resold Tickets

1
Visit the Kentucky Derby Ticket Exchange online. The Kentucky Derby has a single, authorized resale platform in partnership with Ticketmaster. Purchasing resold tickets through this platform is the best way to guarantee their legitimacy.^{[5]
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Research source} Access the resale service at https://www.ticketexchangebyticketmaster.com/churchill-downs/kentucky-derby-tickets/event/436.
2
Sign into or create a Ticketmaster account to access the service. To access the Kentucky Derby Ticket Exchange you will need to have an active Ticketmaster account. Enter your login information to access your account if you already have one. If you don't already have one, follow the directions to set up a new account. ^{[6]
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- You will be prompted to enter your full name, email address, postal code, country of residence, and to choose a password for your new account.^{[7]
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3
Narrow your choice of tickets by section and price. To view available tickets, select the type of tickets you want to buy and the number of tickets you need, and select your price range. If you want to view tickets in a specific area of the event, click on the interactive map presented. Click "Find Tickets" to generate your results.^{[8]
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- A more detailed seating chart can be viewed on the Kentucky Derby website at https://www.kentuckyderby.com/tickets/seating-chart.
4
Enter your billing information to purchase the tickets of your choice. Once you have selected your tickets, you will be directed to the payment page. Use a major credit card like American Express, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover to purchase the tickets. Carefully enter your card number, the name listed on the card, and the billing address, then confirm your purchase.
- You may also be able to pay with a debit card with a major credit card logo.
5
Check your email inbox for your electronic ticket. Resold Kentucky Derby tickets are only issued in electronic form, featuring a bar code that will be scanned at the event. After completing your purchase, check your email for your e-tickets. Print out the tickets or save them on your mobile device to be scanned at the Derby.^{[9]
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- Individual tickets can be forwarded to your guests by email.
- A physical commemorative ticket can be purchased after the event as a souvenir.

Community Q&A

Question

Can we take a picnic lunch to the derby?

Amy Swanson

Community Answer

Most derbys will allow this, but to be sure, check the information page on a brochure, website, or other media.