tickets

A limited number of two-day ticket packages to this year’s Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks will go on sale at http://tickets.churchilldowns.com on Wednesday (Jan. 6) at noon EST.

The online sale of Derby and Oaks inventory was originally scheduled for Dec. 16, but was delayed by a potential data error. “After exhaustive testing, we’re ready to go, and we fully anticipate our limited inventory to move fast,” Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery.

A total of 3,000 seats have been allocated for this online exclusive and include:

¨    Third-floor clubhouse box seats in sections 312-314 and access to the Secretariat Lounge, an exclusive, upscale, indoor hospitality area that will feature premium gourmet food, an open bar, televisions, betting kiosks and live music between races (50 boxes or 300 seats which range from $6,132-$6,390 per six-seat box);
¨    First-floor clubhouse box seats in section 111 (166 boxes or 996 seats which cost $1,500 per six-seat box);
¨    Second-floor grandstand bleacher seats in sections 222-225 (300 seats which range from $214-$225 per seat); and
¨    First-floor grandstand bleacher seats in sections 121-128 (1,404 seats which range from $172-$207 per seat).

Ticket prices vary based on location. There is a purchase limit of six seats or one box per order. Those who want to purchase box seats must purchase the entire box, which includes seats for six. Tickets must be purchased with a Visa credit or debit card. Minimal ticket processing charges will apply.

    This offer is exclusive to http://tickets.churchilldowns.com; no sales will be made in person or by submitting letters, e-mail or telephone calls to Churchill Downs.

    Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will host the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands on Saturday, May 1 and the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, April 30. The track will conduct its 2010 Spring Meet from Saturday, April 24 through Sunday, July 5. Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on Nov. 5 and 6, 2010. Churchill Downs tickets are available at tickets.churchilldowns.com or by calling (502) 636-4400. Additional information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

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Churchill Downs’ online sale of limited two-day Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks ticket packages, which was delayed Wednesday by a potential data error with its new online box office, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 6 at noon EST. A total of 3,000 seats have been allocated for this online exclusive at http://tickets.churchilldowns.com.

“Our concern regarding a potential data error that temporarily delayed our online sale of Kentucky Derby and Oaks tickets has been erased, and we’re pleased to announce that those coveted tickets will go on sale shortly after the holidays on Wednesday, Jan. 6 at noon,” Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery said. “The customer experience with this first-of-its-kind online offering is paramount, and we truly appreciate our patrons’ patience as we worked through this process.”

    As promised, reserved seating packages to be sold, which include tickets to both the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, April 30 and Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands on Saturday, May 1, include:

¨    Third-floor clubhouse box seats in sections 312-314 and access to the Secretariat Lounge, an exclusive, upscale, indoor hospitality area that will feature premium gourmet food, an open bar, televisions, betting kiosks and live music between races (50 boxes or 300 seats which range from $6,132-$6,390 per six-seat box);
¨    First-floor clubhouse box seats in section 111 (166 boxes or 996 seats which cost $1,500 per six-seat box);
¨    Second-floor grandstand bleacher seats in sections 222-225 (300 seats which range from $214-$225 per seat); and
¨    First-floor grandstand bleacher seats in sections 121-128 (1,404 seats which range from $172-$207 per seat).

Ticket prices vary based on location. There is a purchase limit of six seats or one box per order. Those who want to purchase box seats must purchase the entire box, which includes seats for six. Tickets must be purchased with a Visa credit or debit card. Minimal ticket processing charges will apply.

    This offer is exclusive to http://tickets.churchilldowns.com; no sales will be made in person or by submitting letters, e-mail or telephone calls to Churchill Downs.

Already available for purchase on the Website are advance general admission tickets to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, which cost $40 and $25, respectively, as well as reserved seat packages to other 2010 events, including six “Downs After Dark” nighttime racing events scheduled for June 11, June 18, June 25, July 2, Oct. 31 and Nov. 19.

    Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will host the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands on Saturday, May 1 and the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, April 30. The track will conduct its 2010 Spring Meet from Saturday, April 24 through Sunday, July 5. Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on Nov. 5 and 6, 2010. Churchill Downs tickets are available at tickets.churchilldowns.com or by calling (502) 636-4400. Additional information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

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For the first time in its storied history, Churchill Downs will give the general public an opportunity to purchase special two-day ticket packages to its world-famous Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks via the racetrack’s new online box office, http://tickets.churchilldowns.com.

A limited number of seats – 3,000 for Oaks Day on Friday, April 30 and 3,000 for Derby Day on Saturday, May 1 – have been allocated for this online exclusive and will go on sale Wednesday, Dec. 16 at noon EST.

Prices for the two-day bundled seat packages range from $172 for individual first floor grandstand bleacher seats on both days to $6,390 for a six-seat box in the third floor clubhouse with daily access to the exclusive Secretariat Lounge.

“The Kentucky Derby and its sister race, the Kentucky Oaks, are extraordinary spectacles that people all over the world hope to experience at least once in their lifetime,” said Kevin Flanery, Churchill Downs Racetrack president. “This holiday season, we’ve set aside approximately 6 percent of our inventory to make it easier for the Louisville community, sports fans and entertainment seekers to obtain these usually hard-to-get reserved seats through our new and convenient online box office.

“For the last few years, we’ve tried to make more tickets available to the general public through last minute ticket lotteries and select on-track promotions. People camped out overnight in the cold and waited in long lines just to have a chance to grab Derby tickets in our on-track lottery. They don’t have to do that now; the tickets are just a mouse-click away. This is a more convenient continuation of that effort, with modest and premium price points available in our supply.”

This online exclusive offer will include third-floor clubhouse box seats in sections 312-314 (50 boxes or 300 seats); first-floor clubhouse box seats in section 111 (166 boxes or 996 seats); second-floor grandstand bleacher seats in sections 222-225 (300 seats); and first-floor grandstand bleacher seats in sections 121-128 (1,404 seats). Those who want to purchase box seats must purchase the entire box, which includes seats for six.

The third-floor clubhouse box seat packages include admission to the luxurious Secretariat Lounge, an exclusive, upscale, indoor hospitality area that will feature premium gourmet food, an open bar, televisions, betting kiosks and live music between races.

Customers can also advance purchase general admission tickets to the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands for $40 and the Kentucky Oaks for $25.

Ticket prices vary based on location. There is a purchase limit of six seats or one box per order. Tickets must be purchased with a Visa credit or debit card. Minimal ticket processing charges will apply.

This offer is exclusive to http://tickets.churchilldowns.com; no sales will be made in person or by submitting letters, e-mail or telephone calls to Churchill Downs.

Two-Day Kentucky Derby & Kentucky Oaks Reserved Seat Tickets (Limit 6 Per Person)

First-Floor Grandstand Bleacher Seats
(Sections 121-128; total of 1,404 seats)
§    Section 128 – $172 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
§    Section 127 – $183 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
§    Section 126 – $188 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
§    Section 125 – $195 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
§    Section 124 – $197 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
§    Section 123 – $200 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
§    Section 122 – $202 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
§    Section 121 – $207 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)

Second-Floor Grandstand Bleacher Seats
(Sections 222-225; total of 300 seats)
§    Section 225 – $214 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
§    Section 224 – $218 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
§    Section 223 – $222 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
§    Section 222 – $225 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)

First-Floor Clubhouse Box Seats
(Section 111; total of 166 boxes or 996 seats)
§    Section 111 – $1,500 per six-seat box (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)

Third-Floor Clubhouse Box Seats with Access to Exclusive Secretariat Lounge
(Sections 312-314; total of 50 boxes or 300 seats)
§    Section 312 – $6,132 per six-seat box (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
§    Section 313 – $6,204 per six-seat box (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
§    Section 314 – $6,390 per six-seat box (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)

    It has never been easier to purchase tickets to Churchill Downs, thanks to the fresh technology at http://tickets.churchilldowns.com. The easy-to-navigate, one-stop shop Website designed by SeatAdvisor, Inc. allows patrons to seamlessly view, choose and purchase exact reserved seat locations throughout the vast facility.

    In addition to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, customers can purchase packages to other 2010 events at Churchill Downs, including six “Downs After Dark” nighttime racing events scheduled for June 11, June 18, June 25, July 2, Oct. 31 and Nov. 19.

    Customers are advised to visit http://tickets.churchilldowns.com frequently as inventory is continually added.

    Purchasers of tickets through this online offer will agree to not resell these tickets at a premium in excess of the amount shown on the ticket or to package these tickets for resale together with hospitality, travel or other services and to not purchase – either directly or indirectly – more than the “per person” ticket limit (six seats) established for this online offer. Churchill Downs reserves the right, at its sole and absolute discretion, to cancel ticket purchases, including without limitation, voiding online transactions and refunding amounts paid by persons violating these conditions of sale. See http://tickets.churchilldowns.com for the complete terms and conditions of this online offer.

    Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will host the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands on Saturday, May 1 and the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, April 30. The track will conduct its 2010 Spring Meet from Saturday, April 24 through Sunday, July 5. Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on Nov. 5 and 6, 2010. Churchill Downs tickets are available at tickets.churchilldowns.com or by calling (502) 636-4400. Additional information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

Churchill Downs will soon make Kentucky Derby dreams come true for 500 horse racing fans, as the racetrack today announced an expanded public drawing for guests to purchase two seats to the upcoming 135th "Run for the Roses," scheduled for May 2, 2009.  [asset|text=Click here for complete rules.|aid=3657|format=link|height=128|width=128]

Beginning on Saturday, Nov. 22, and continuing each live race day through closing day, Nov. 29, Churchill Downs will hold live drawings for reserved seats to Kentucky Derby 135.  Churchill Downs' guests will have one chance each day, for six days, to have their names drawn for the opportunity to purchase the reserved seats.  A total of 500 pairs of tickets, or 1,000 in total, will be made available for the public drawing.

"Our goal in creating the public drawing for the right to purchase reserved seats to the Kentucky Derby two years ago was to allow an even broader audience to enjoy America's premier horse race first-hand, especially racing fans from Louisville and neighboring communities who support Churchill Downs on a year-round basis," said Steve Sexton, president of Churchill Downs and executive vice president of Churchill Downs Incorporated.  "Setting aside reserved seats for the general public to purchase gives our fans added opportunities to personally experience the excitement and energy of the first Saturday in May.  This year, we wanted to expand the ways in which customers can become eligible for a chance to purchase tickets, and we believe this new format will allow even more opportunity for our guests to enjoy the ‘Run for the Roses' with us in 2009."

Churchill Downs' guests may enter each daily drawing by filling out an entry form with their contact information at Guest Services stations located inside Gate 17 or outside of Gate 10 in the clubhouse.  Entries must be completed and turned in to the Guest Services stations between the time gates open (11 a.m. EST on Nov. 22, 23, and 26, and 10 a.m. EST on Nov. 27-29) by 1:35 p.m. EST in order to be eligible for that day's drawing.  Individuals who wish to enter the drawing without paying an admission charge may do so at the Gate 10 Guest Services station, which is located outside of the Gate 10 admission booths.  Entries must be received by 1:35 p.m. in order to be eligible for that day's drawing.  No late entries will be admitted into the drawing.  Guests who miss the 1:35 p.m. deadline to enter may try again on the next racing day until Saturday, Nov. 29, closing day of the 2008 Fall Meet.

Entry forms are good for one drawing only.  For multiple chances to be selected, guests must visit on multiple days to complete a new entry form at each visit.

Following the fourth race (approximately 2 p.m.) on Nov. 22, 23 and 26 and following the sixth race on Nov. 27-29, Churchill Downs will draw from all eligible entries and announce over the public address system the names of those who have won the right to purchase two tickets to Kentucky Derby 135.  A total of 50 names will be drawn on Nov. 22 and 23, while 100 names will be drawn daily from Wednesday, Nov. 26, through closing day, Saturday, Nov. 29.  Winners will be announced after every race through the end of the race card.

Winners who are present should proceed to the Guest Services station at Gate 17 no later than 5 p.m., where they will be allowed to personally draw for their Kentucky Derby 135 reserved seats.  For winners who are not present by 5 p.m., a Churchill Downs guest services representative will draw on their behalf. 

All winners will be notified by Churchill Downs and will automatically be invoiced using the information provided on the entry form.  Payment for invoiced tickets will be due to Churchill Downs no later than Jan. 30, 2009.  No tickets will be distributed to winners until payment has been received in full.

Guests are eligible to enter once daily, and they may only win once for the duration of the contest.  Winners' names will be entered into Churchill Downs' records for Kentucky Derby 135 reserved seats.  Once an individual's name has been selected, that guest WILL NOT be eligible to enter the drawing again.

The seats available include a variety of clubhouse and grandstand seats, ranging from grandstand bleacher seats to clubhouse boxes.  The ticket prices per seat range from $88 to $207 ($176 to $414 per pair).  Seats will only be made available in pairs and cannot be purchased individually.

Customers must be at least 18 years of age to participate in the public drawing.  Employees of Churchill Downs Incorporated, Levy Restaurants and Brantley Services are not eligible to participate.

Churchill Downs, the world's most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America's greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875.  Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2009. The track's 2008 Fall Meet runs from October 26 through November 29. Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders' Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on November 5 and 6, 2010.  Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

Churchill Downs racetrack has announced a freeze in most ticket prices for the 2009 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, allowing customers to purchase the majority of reserved seats and general admission at the same price levels offered in 2008.  The 135th running of the Kentucky Oaks will be held on Friday, May 1, 2009, while Kentucky Derby 135 will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2009.

"Our slowing economy is having a pronounced effect, and many of our customers have been affected in various ways as well," said Bob Evans, president and chief executive officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated.  "Although the Kentucky Derby occupies an elite spot in the world of sports and tickets are typically in high demand, we want to keep our price points at the same level to help our customers in this challenging economic climate.  Our fans are critical to our success, and we hope this announcement makes it easier for them to join us on the first Saturday in May next year to enjoy the excitement of Kentucky Derby 135."

The freeze in Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks ticket prices includes the majority of Churchill's permanent seats, as well as most temporary seating areas and general admission on the day of the events.  There will be a previously scheduled price increase by contract for customers in the 30-year personal seat license program, who are coming off a three-year price freeze by contract, and limited price increases in some luxury suites and for a handful of Marquee Village units adjacent to the Kentucky Derby Red Carpet venue, as well as a new price structure for a new reserved seating section in the infield that Churchill Downs will pilot in 2009.

Churchill Downs, the world's most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America's greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875.  Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2009. The track's 2008 Fall Meet runs from October 26 through November 29. Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders' Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on November 5 and 6, 2010.  Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.