FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Typically, Churchill Downs has three meets a year where live racing occurs. There is the Spring Meet which begins after the Kentucky Derby. Later in the year there is also the September and Fall Meet which concludes after Thanksgiving weekend. Check out the calendar to see all of our race days.

The exact race time can vary from day to day during the meet. We encourage you to review the calendar to see all post times for the day you plan on attending the races.

Churchill Downs has a number of race days with unique features. This can include family adventure days with activities for children, Twilight Thursday for evening races with discount drinks and food trucks and Downs After Dark which have night time racing and themes to name a few.

We encourage you to check out the specific featured events for the upcoming meet.

Yes, there are restrictions on items you can bring, including bag size limitations and prohibited items. Check out the full list for the most up-to-date information.

While there typically isn’t the need to dress up like Derby, there are some instances and areas that have dress codes or where themed attire is encouraged. Downs After Dark for example are night time races with themed events and encouraged. In some locations, like membership clubs and suites, there are certain levels of dress required. Follow this helpful information, and check the seating areas pages you are attending for specific Do’s and Dont's.

Track Casual
Applicable Areas: Aristides Lounge, Champions Bar & Balcony, First Turn Club Dining, Gold Room, Homestretch Club, Loft at Aristides Lounge, Millionaires Row, Skye Terrace, Stakes Room & Balcony, Winner’s Circle Suites

Do's: Jackets and blazers optional. Vests, shirts with collars, sweaters, dresses, pantsuits, dress jeans, dress shorts and slacks are appropriate, as are golf shorts and capris.

Don'ts: Worn or torn garments, crop or midriff tops, athletic wear, swim wear, frayed or torn denim, and flip-flops are considered inappropriate attire.

Smart Casual

Applicable Areas: Derby Room, Grand Foyer, Jockey Club Suites, Matt Winn’s Steakhouse, Oaks Room, Roses Lounge, Starting Gate Suites, Triple Crown Room & Balcony, Turf Club Boxes

Do's: Jackets and blazers optional. Vests, shirts with collars, sweaters, dresses, pantsuits, dress jeans, dress shorts and slacks are appropriate.

Don'ts: Cargo shorts, t-shirts, crop or midriff tops, athletic wear, swim wear, frayed or torn denim or shorts, and tennis shoes are considered inappropriate attire.

*Dress Code for Roses Lounge is Smart Casual, except for Derby Week, Mother's Day, Preakness, Belmont, Thanksgiving and the Clark Handicap when this room is considered to be Turf Club Roses Lounge. On these days the dress code is Business Casual.

Business Casual

Applicable Areas: Directors Room, Finish Line Suites & Balcony, Spires Terrace & Suites, Trophy Room, Turf Club Roses Lounge, Turf Club Terrace & Balcony

Do's: Jackets and blazers, vests, shirts with collars, sweaters, dresses, pantsuits, slacks and capri pants are appropriate.

Don'ts: Jeans/denim, shorts, t-shirts, crop or midriff tops, athletic wear, swim wear, and flip-flops are all considered inappropriate attire & are not permitted in these areas.

Churchill Downs race days run rain or shine. It's a good idea to check the weather forecast and bring appropriate attire, including rain gear, if necessary. Check out the full list for the most up-to-date information.

The easiest ways to purchase tickets it purchases general admission or reserved box tickets through Ticketmaster. However, there are multiple ways to purchase ticket for groups as well as memberships.

Tickets are non-refundable and all tickets are accessed digitally. Due to the sheer size of the event, we do not have the ability to re-issue lost or forgotten tickets. We also do not have a 'will-call' booth. Please note the only authorized place to buy & resell Kentucky Derby and Oaks tickets is the Kentucky Derby Ticket Exchange.

Tickets can be accessed through the Churchill Downs app and connecting your Ticketmaster account to the app. You MUST have your tickets in order to get through the gates. Follow our step-by-step guide to download our app and connecting your tickets.

Additional materials include:

Ticket Master New Sign-In Experience FAQ

Modern Account Customer Guide

Mobile Ticket Quick Reference Guide

You can access your tickets to sell or transfer among other activities by accessing your My Churchill Downs account. From there, follow the helpful guides below to assist in your process while in your account.

How to Sell My Tickets (Ticket Exchange)

How to View and Transfer Mobile Tickets

How to Manage and Transfer Tickets -- Desktop Support

You can access your invoices by logging into your My Churchill Downs account. From there, follow the helpful guides below to assist in your process while in your account.

How to Pay My Invoice

Churchill Downs Racetrack is a large, one of a kind venue. Follow this helpful guide when interpreting the seating location indicated on your ticket.

How to Read My Tickets

For groups of 12+, we encourage you to give our team a call at 502-636-4450 to get in touch with a representative who can help get you set up for an outing at the track. Or fill out our Group Request form and a representative will reach out to you.

Group sales form

Churchill Downs offers various membership packages at the track that offer access to race days throughout the year as well as special events. Please review our different membership areas.

Yes, children are welcome at Churchill Downs! Race days are great times to bring children to the track to get up and close to the thrills of Thoroughbred racing. There are also special event days such as Family Adventure Day with activities for your children to participate in.

As a valued member of the Turf Club, your membership card is an easy way to access the facility. Please view these helpful guides as you and your guests access Churchill Downs.

How to Use My RFID Turf Club Membership Card

How to Print My Turf Club Guest Coupons

Currently, guests are encouraged to park in Yellow and Turquoises lots & enter through the Clubhouse or VIP gate for the following areas: General Admission, Clubhouse 100 or 300 level boxes, Stakes Room, Skye Terrace, Roses Lounge, Trophy Room, Finish Line Suites, Millionaires Row, Matt Winn’s Steakhouse. You are able to access the Yellow and Turquoises lots via Longfield Avenue.

If you are having an event or seated in the Starting Gate Suites or Homestretch Club, park in the Black or Green lots and enter through the Executive gate which can be accessed via Central Avenue.

Review our updated meet parking information on our Parking and Maps page .

There is plenty of on-site parking. However, parking is first come, first served. Please also note due to construction, entry to the facility has changed. Be sure to reference the parking pages for appropriate directions for the current race meet. Learn more.

Yes, we want everyone to be able to enjoy the Kentucky Derby and will do our absolute best to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please be aware that due to the size of our event and the historical nature of our facility, we are not able to: Offer wheelchairs for rent and store wheelchairs of any kind due to limited space.

Please have your transportation group review all of our street and parking maps to ensure they are following the correct procedure on arrival.

Yes, we have a few transportation companies we work with that can help you get to the event. You can find more information on those groups here:

www.xtremetransportation.com

www.sentient.com/kentucky-derby

Churchill Downs is a large facility so look for signs to help guide you to where you need to go. There are also plenty of staff members walking around who could point you in the right direction. It is also encouraged to download the Churchill Downs App which provides facility maps and Wayfinding options to guide you exactly where you are going.

Google Play Store

App Store

Outside food and beverages are not allowed at Churchill Downs, but there are plenty of food and drink options available.

Beat the lines by having your credit or debit cards ready as a number of our concession stand have moved to cashless sales.

Yes, there are ATMs on-site for your convenience. Please check the Churchill Downs App to find the ATM closest to you.

Yes, betting is a big part of the race day experience. There are betting windows and self-service kiosks available for placing bets. Please note: due to state law, bets may not be placed using a credit card.

Yes, TwinSpires is the official betting partner of the Churchill Downs. Download their app and begin wagering on all of the races. Pro tip: download the app and sign up prior to arriving at the facility to avoid connectivity issues at the track.

Yes, there is public Wi-Fi available on race days.

Our Guest Services reps and gate staff will be wearing red shirts and/or coats. In addition to them, you will see ushers wearing bright yellow shirts windbreakers as well as a variety of uniformed security personnel.  If you cannot find an employee to help you, please text the word DERBY to 69050 and you will be placed in touch with Guest Services. Patrons are reminded: 'If you see something, say something.' If you see something unusual, please immediately call 502-636-4526 to report it.