looking to buy tickets for the derby

Nancy T · Postby **Nancy T** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 7:19 am

Any ideas where to purchase a couple 06 general admission derby tickets? My brother is now stationed at Fort Knox and I would like to visit AND see the Derby

madelyn · Postby **madelyn** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 11:44 am

General admission to the Derby is unlimited and paid at the gate. It does not have "tickets." I think the '05 Derby was $40 per person. General admission is to the paddock. There are no seats and you will see the races on one of the screens. The upside is that you will see the horses saddled live in the paddock. It is crazy, and almost impossible to do both, no matter what you pay (the crowds). The Oaks (Friday) is a bit less $$. They are the only two days of the racing calendar that an owner's pass won't get you in free.

Heidilady · Postby **Heidilady** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 8:38 pm

Good luck trying to find a place to stay though. Everything I come across that still has rooms is charging $400+ a night. I was going to try to go with a friend of mine but being students, we just can't afford that. Rats. Sport of Kings is right.

madelyn · Postby **madelyn** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 5:39 am

I found rooms last year for a pal for $185 on Thursday. There are loads of options. pm me if you are serious.. I'd offer to put you up but I have family coming and no space (unless you want a stall in the barn :lol:

)

Nancy T · Postby **Nancy T** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 6:29 am

I looked on several ticket websites and tickets for any spot in the stands are about 300 each. how hard is it to get in the day of the race into the general admission area? what time should I be there?? I will be staying with my brother so the lodging is all set

madelyn · Postby **madelyn** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 7:21 am

General admission is easy. They take cash and credit cards. The lines don't get huge (there are several gates). Depends on your transportation. If you want time to plot and bet the first race (11:30am) you will want to arrive no later than 10:30. The big hang up on Derby day are the security tables. You CANNOT bring folding chairs, coolers, etc., unless you are going to the infield. The infield allows all manner of stuff -- but it is where the "kids" go to party down and not much race watching occurs. There are even more drunks (if that's possible) than there are in the paddock (sorry, a pet peeve of mine). If you like to see college boys and girls get paraletic, strip and run around naked, the infield is for you! There is more time between races than usual, but you will NEED it because the lines at the betting windows get epic! That's because SO many people who have never been to, or betted on, a horse race at all are there, in line, asking all manner of questions when they get to the window. The race program and daily racing form are available the afternoon before (they cost the same) and we usually try to get them in advance to have scoped out the fields and have some preliminary picks. Don't forget your hat and stuff, even the paddock is QUITE dressy.

There are often scalpers outside selling tickets for seats (at 2x or more face value). They party in the streets around the track. It is a very typical, major sporting event.

JeremyRoseFan · Postby **JeremyRoseFan** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 6:37 pm

the dressing up is so fun! lol. my dad took my friend and i to the derby last year. we hung out in the padock most of the time. it was a great experience. seeing all of the horses up close was amazing. i was in absolute heaven. hope you get to go!