How much does it cost to go to the Kentucky Derby 2024? How to get tickets

It’s “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” and celebrating 150 years of history this weekend. When it comes to horse racing, there’s nothing quite like the Kentucky Derby. From prestige to the purse, to equine perfection and who could forget the unforgettable smell of the track. It’s a show like no other and we imagine that this year’s edition at Churchill Downs will be as exciting as any other.

What are ticket prices like for the 2023 Kentucky Derby?

So, you want to attend horse racing’s biggest event, but you’re not sure how to get tickets and more importantly how much they’re going to cost you. Well, you’ve got several options. Firstly you can head to the usual ticket sales and distribution companies for major events such as Ticketsmaster or Seatgeek, however, your best bet for packages - if that’s your thing - is probably going to be the official website of the Kentucky Derby itself. There you will find the packages which as you can imagine are extremely coveted for this event.

The build up to the Kentucky Derby starts with Opening Night and continues with Champions Day, Thurby (Thursday) and the Kentucky Oaks - all of it combining to make a special derby atmosphere. It’s as much about enjoying food and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including the typical mint julep and live bluegrass bands as watching the races.

Indeed, those interested in attending can visit Derby Experiences to see a variety of packages combining Derby and Oaks seats with access to exclusive lounges, dining, hotels, transportation, accommodation and more. At the time of writing package prices ranged from roughly $1,270 to $7,370 per person.

Dining at Thurby Spires Terrace Suite comes in at $795 but that’s the most expensive option. The Jockey Club Suites is situated up beside the Twin Spires overlooking the homestretch of the racetrack. A four-hour chef’s table here will cost around $430.

What about seating options?

To be clear, there are a range of seating options available at Churchill Downs. If you’d like to sit in the Grandstand where you will find backless bleacher-style seating on the first and second levels, then you’re looking at just short of $600 per person. These seats offer a few of the finishing stretch. Additionally, there are also stadium-style seats available on the second floor which overlook the turf and dirt tracks. Via the derby’s resale site, these started at approximately $920.

Of course, if you’d like to splash the cash you can also get one of the boxes which are located on the first and third levels and contain six seats. Naturally these are more expensive and will run you in the realm of $3,000. Lastly, we’ve got the infield reserved seats. These are situated in an uncovered bleacher - temporarily constructed - and offer a view of the final stretch along with access to betting windows, restrooms, the front side of the track and Paddock areas, as well as food, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. These start at around $750 while general admission infield tickets, without a seat, will cost around $130.

Are there cheap tickets for the Kentucky Derby?

Thankfully, yes. It’s not all about the swank and swing this weekend, for those who’d like to take in the action without paying out a downpayment on a house, you can actually purchase “general admission” tickets from the official website for just under $90. For that price you will be granted access to the infield, however, there will be no seating, access to the Paddock, nor front side seating areas. There’s no inclusive food or drinks either. For a slightly more economic option it might make sense to go with a two-day ticket which will run you approximately $135.

And it’s important to book in advance, the longer you leave it, the greater the chance that the cheaper options will be snapped up. Three days before the Derby, some general admission tickets are available through resale from $325.

Gates open for the 150th Kentucky Derby at 9 a.m. on Saturday 4 May with the first race at 10:30 a.m. and the Run for the Roses at 6:57 p.m. For the eighth consecutive year, a tiered point system in select races around the world will determine who takes part. The 20 horses with the most points are invited to Kentucky.