2011 Kentucky Derby Tips: Have a Great Derby Day
Knowing the ins-and-outs of the "greatest two minutes in sports" can make your Derby Day go a lot smoother. These Kentucky Derby tips cover the basics:
When and Where
Gates open on Derby day at 8 a.m. with the first race at 10:30 a.m. Post time for the Derby is at 6:24 p.m.
With no parking available at the track, the entrepreneurial residents near Churchill Downs will charge at least $20 for parking. Take a picture or text yourself the address of where you parked, too.
Or park at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium for $15, or the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center for $6. Both lots are within walking distance of the track and shuttle service is also available.
Miller Transportation offers roundtrip shuttles for $20 from downtown Louisville, $15 from the Expo Center and $10 from the stadium. Shuttle service begins at 7:30 a.m. and runs through 8:30 p.m. Downtown shuttle stops include the Galt House, the Hyatt Regency and the Brown Hotel, along with stops at Third and Market streets, Second Street and Broadway and Fifth Street and Muhammad Ali Blvd. Signs will be posted indicating shuttle stops.
Once you arrive, you need to enter through the correct gate. If you're headed for the infield, enter through Gates 1 or 3, which are also the only gates through which you can bring tarps and blankets. Chairs are only allowed through Gate 3.
All other general admission ticket holders can enter through any gate. Reserved clubhouse seats are accessed via Gates 10 and 17 and reserved grandstand seats through Gate 1.
What to bring ... and what not to bring
Probably the most important thing to bring: cash. All betting is cash-only, as are many of the vendors. ATMs are available, but save yourself the hassle and the fees by stopping before you arrive.
Don't forget your camera — and a plastic baggie for it in case of rain. Bring sunscreen even if you don't think you'll need it. If you plan to seriously watch the races, bring binoculars.
Food items are permitted if they are inside a clear plastic bag smaller than 18x18 inches. Each person can bring two bags.
Banned items for Derby include umbrellas -- so if it looks rainy, bring a poncho. No thermoses, backpacks or duffel bags, either. And, of course, no alcohol.
More details on permitted and banned items are available online.
Knowing these details can make your Derby experience hassle-free — and we can all toast our mint juleps to that!
HelloLouisville Tip: For more information about this year's event, check out our guide to the Kentucky Derby 2011.
Posted on Apr 13, 2011 by Tracy Harris
