1st time attending the Derby this year, questions for those who have been.

[FlyinLate]

Alright, so for the first year my friends and I have finally gone through with our plans and have officially planned a trip to the '08 Kentucky Derby. I've never attended the derby or anything really close (biggest race was Arlington Million). Anyways, I have a few questions for those who have been there before:

1-What's the infield like? My friends and I are young without a ton of loose cash. We also enjoy the party atmosphere it seems to offer. What is it like in the infield of the derby?
2-How available are tellers/machines? No matter how many they employ it seems like the wagering lines would have to be tremendous. No last minute bets. What can I expect?
3-How is vision from the infield? I'm sure I won't get a great view of anything but for the most part can the race be seen? Are there TV's in the infield?
4-How are the drinks (Mint Juleps to be specific)? What kind of prices can we expect to pay for drinks, beers, food, shirts, etc?
5-Where are some good local places to eat? Any good restaurants in the area?
6-How is the nightlife? I'm sure after the Oaks and Derby my friends and I will visit a few bars. Where are some good spots? Keep in mind we are Mid 20's for this answer if possible.

Thanks ahead of time guys, I'm excited already and it's only January :confused:

[46zilzal]

If you want to see the race, bring a small television.

[FlyinLate]

umm thanks for the help?

[46zilzal]

umm thanks for the help?
I have friends IN LOUISVILLE, who cannot get good seats as they are willed to other family members who had them earlier. I tried, for years, to go and the prices the travel agents quoted were highway robbery. Just wanted to let you know early and save frustration.

[FlyinLate]

I have friends IN LOUISVILLE, who cannot get good seats as they are willed to other family members who had them earlier. I tried, for years, to go and the prices the travel agents quoted were highway robbery. Just wanted to let you know early and save frustration.

I understand what your getting at here. The thing is that I'm only 4hrs away so I'll be driving, I already have a hotel with reasonable prices (shitty hotel, but I will barely be there), and we have already established we will be in the infield (general admission, no actual seats). My question was as to how the infield is set-up and ran, for anyone who has attended the derby and sat/stood/partied/whatever in the infield. I'm well prepared that it will be a huge clusterf*** when I get inside, just wondering how bad.

[lamboguy]

i have been going now for 5 years. i have either had a horse running in it or i have been in a private room inside and a walk directly to the grandstand 3rd level. it is definately the greatest party event in the world. i have a friend that has a tent in the infield and loves it there.

we get our private room from a friend that is a twin-spire member and he is a high roller, so he gets enough points to turn them into tickets and parking passes to the event.

[DerbyTrail]

Alright, so for the first year my friends and I have finally gone through with our plans and have officially planned a trip to the '08 Kentucky Derby. I've never attended the derby or anything really close (biggest race was Arlington Million). Anyways, I have a few questions for those who have been there before:

1-What's the infield like? My friends and I are young without a ton of loose cash. We also enjoy the party atmosphere it seems to offer. What is it like in the infield of the derby?
2-How available are tellers/machines? No matter how many they employ it seems like the wagering lines would have to be tremendous. No last minute bets. What can I expect?
3-How is vision from the infield? I'm sure I won't get a great view of anything but for the most part can the race be seen? Are there TV's in the infield?
4-How are the drinks (Mint Juleps to be specific)? What kind of prices can we expect to pay for drinks, beers, food, shirts, etc?
5-Where are some good local places to eat? Any good restaurants in the area?
6-How is the nightlife? I'm sure after the Oaks and Derby my friends and I will visit a few bars. Where are some good spots? Keep in mind we are Mid 20's for this answer if possible.

Thanks ahead of time guys, I'm excited already and it's only January :confused:

1.) Infield is well-organized and basically riotously fun.

2.) Lots of banks of tellers and lines get long as the day develops. Advance bet the big stakes leading up to Derby if possible.

3.) Tough to see much racing despite TVs and jumbotrons.

4.) Tons of food/drink stations ringing the interior. Juleps are Early Times pre-mixed and sickeningly sweet. Have no more than one for the Derby Glass and to say you had one. If you want a real julep, have one at a serious bar with quality Bourbon. Food is 'premium event' priced. Hot dogs $5; our own Carolina Barbecue (5 infield locations) $7.50; Sodas $4; etc.. Souvenirs are best purchased OUTSIDE the CD grounds at the corner of Central and 4th, and if you are sleeping in Louisville Saturday night, go back to the Downs Sunday and get everything 33-50% off...

5.) Good restaurants on Bardstown Road, downtown, etc. Nothing of note near CD except Cardinal Hall of Fame. And Wagner's Pharmacy across from Downs which is an institution. Some favorites of mine are Porcini (Italian, neighborhood, Frankfort Rd.), Proof (New Cuisine, Main St. downtown) and Jack Fry's (Steakhouse, Bardstown).

6.) Stopped drinking a few years ago so am not a big help on the watering holes anymore. But Bardstown Road has a ton of joints and the downtown scene obviously.

You'll have a great time. Tough not to...

[FlyinLate]

1.) Infield is well-organized and basically riotously fun.

2.) Lots of banks of tellers and lines get long as the day develops. Advance bet the big stakes leading up to Derby if possible.

3.) Tough to see much racing despite TVs and jumbotrons.

4.) Tons of food/drink stations ringing the interior. Juleps are Early Times pre-mixed and sickeningly sweet. Have no more than one for the Derby Glass and to say you had one. If you want a real julep, have one at a serious bar with quality Bourbon. Food is 'premium event' priced. Hot dogs $5; our own Carolina Barbecue (5 infield locations) $7.50; Sodas $4; etc.. Souvenirs are best purchased OUTSIDE the CD grounds at the corner of Central and 4th, and if you are sleeping in Louisville Saturday night, go back to the Downs Sunday and get everything 33-50% off...

5.) Good restaurants on Bardstown Road, downtown, etc. Nothing of note near CD except Cardinal Hall of Fame. And Wagner's Pharmacy across from Downs which is an institution. Some favorites of mine are Porcini (Italian, neighborhood, Frankfort Rd.), Proof (New Cuisine, Main St. downtown) and Jack Fry's (Steakhouse, Bardstown).

6.) Stopped drinking a few years ago so am not a big help on the watering holes anymore. But Bardstown Road has a ton of joints and the downtown scene obviously.

You'll have a great time. Tough not to...

Thanks. Exactly the kind of reply I was looking for. :ThmbUp:

[Grits]

How bad can you tolerate is the question?

Let's say this. And I'm being brutally honest here. If I were driving 4 hours at $3.00+ per gallon, each way; and having to stay in a crummy hotel, knowing that I had no reserved seat and had to resort to the infield herd in any weather condition, particularly rain, I'd stay home and go to my nearest OTB, but that's me.

It's important to me to see the horses running, and those in the infield seldom can. And you still have a costly day, regardless, whether you've seen a horse or not, or cashed a ticket.

The Derby is a wonderful experience. The entire week is awesome, a wonderful time. But, give it your best, go when you have reserved seats, if you are a true fan of the sport, you'll enjoy it much more.


I understand what your getting at here. The thing is that I'm only 4hrs away so I'll be driving, I already have a hotel with reasonable prices (shitty hotel, but I will barely be there), and we have already established we will be in the infield (general admission, no actual seats). My question was as to how the infield is set-up and ran, for anyone who has attended the derby and sat/stood/partied/whatever in the infield. I'm well prepared that it will be a huge clusterf*** when I get inside, just wondering how bad.

[Grits]

Well, maybe I shouldn't have posted. LOL Much good luck, and have fun.

[Richie]

Been to the infield from 1983-1989 when I was wild, young and free. You will never forget it, go and bring a camera. The memories will last forever. I been wanting to go back for years

[Pace Cap'n]

You've got 364 other days to watch horse races. Only one day to be at the Derby. Go for it.

[FlyinLate]

Well, maybe I shouldn't have posted. LOL Much good luck, and have fun.

haha thanks for the reply anyways.

I'm young enough to enjoy all of this. I'm still in college (I know holy shit someone my age follows horse racing). Been doing it since I was 16 with my dad. Went to the Arlington Million with him last year and had a blast. Finally over the past 2 years I've turned a couple of my friends around on horse racing and we planned this. We're in our 20's, drink too much, and don't really care about weather conditions or a seat. Just there to watch some races and have fun.


Another question...
Compared to the derby how filled is the Oaks? We will be attending both days.

[Grits]

You will have a big, big, time. ENJOY!!! Because, its very likely you'll be able to get drunk, stoned, and laid--all in close proximity, all in a few short hours.:lol:

Just make your wagers early--if you find the time to do that part.

Oaks Day has grown tremendously in recent years. It is very crowded as well. A lot of the natives of Louisville go to Oaks Day, and stay home on Derby Day. Give yourself plenty of drive time on both days.

haha thanks for the reply anyways.

I'm young enough to enjoy all of this. I'm still in college (I know holy shit someone my age follows horse racing). Been doing it since I was 16 with my dad. Went to the Arlington Million with him last year and had a blast. Finally over the past 2 years I've turned a couple of my friends around on horse racing and we planned this. We're in our 20's, drink too much, and don't really care about weather conditions or a seat. Just there to watch some races and have fun.


Another question...
Compared to the derby how filled is the Oaks? We will be attending both days.

[Hajck Hillstrom]

Compared to the derby how filled is the Oaks? We will be attending both days.My first Derby/Oaks was 2007. Simply put....it was the best time of my life. :ThmbUp:

As for the infield....I don't remember if there was a band playing on Derby day, but the Oaks was pretty entertaining outside racing activities. On both days the energy was pretty unbelievable. The single thought I had when visiting was that if I was 30 years younger, you couldn't pay me to visit the grandstand. Suffice it to say that you will be in your element, brother, and have plenty of kindred spirits sharing in the experience.

The Oaks was a party without the feeling of being in a Moshpit.

Viewing the races live will be a problem. You will see both turns and the backstretch, but the stretchdrive and finish will be obsured by corporate boxes. The good news is that there are megascreens located throughout, and you will be able to watch the racing. As for mutuel clerks/Sams, the infield isn't a bad place to be. The focus is more on the party than the wagering. You will get the feel, but starting 4 races before the Derby you will see a swell, so make your Derby bets early.

Juleps and beer are spendy, but not gouging. The figure of $6 seems to stick out in my mind.

Stick a jumbo trash can liner in your back pocket. If it rains, you will be glad you did.

DerbyTrail's assesment was pretty much spot on. Do a little research online regarding the nightlife, as I went back and handicapped on Friday and didn't tap into the various venues.

The key is to nail down the Derby superfecta, and I can guarantee you will have the time of your life.

[Cratos]

Alright, so for the first year my friends and I have finally gone through with our plans and have officially planned a trip to the '08 Kentucky Derby. I've never attended the derby or anything really close (biggest race was Arlington Million). Anyways, I have a few questions for those who have been there before:

1-What's the infield like? My friends and I are young without a ton of loose cash. We also enjoy the party atmosphere it seems to offer. What is it like in the infield of the derby?
2-How available are tellers/machines? No matter how many they employ it seems like the wagering lines would have to be tremendous. No last minute bets. What can I expect?
3-How is vision from the infield? I'm sure I won't get a great view of anything but for the most part can the race be seen? Are there TV's in the infield?
4-How are the drinks (Mint Juleps to be specific)? What kind of prices can we expect to pay for drinks, beers, food, shirts, etc?
5-Where are some good local places to eat? Any good restaurants in the area?
6-How is the nightlife? I'm sure after the Oaks and Derby my friends and I will visit a few bars. Where are some good spots? Keep in mind we are Mid 20's for this answer if possible.

Thanks ahead of time guys, I'm excited already and it's only January :confused:

I attended my first KY Derby 30 years ago to see the Alydar-Affirmed confrontation and I was in the infield (today my wife and me have seats in the stands). Although I didn’t see much of the race in 1978, the excitement of the infield and particularly for the young people who was there, appeared to have a lot of fun.

[FlyinLate]

Thanks guys, sounds like we're gonna have a blast.

[ldiatone]

went to the breeders cup in 06. we stayed across the river in evens city(?) at the ceasers palace riverboat casino. the drive to CD was like 25 mins. no traffic in the morning. bused to the track. getting back was longer 5:30 to 7:30 before we were on the road back to the casino. again no traffic on the road. had a great time and won money at the casino,,,,this time. had our meals at the casino. at CD, the lines for making a bet were at least 20 mins. i waited in line at the grey goose line for all of one race for a TRIPLE(think i was wait'n again) went to get coffee for the wife about 4 ish.......out, hot chocolate........out.
great time! SA this year baby!
ldiatone

[cnollfan]

The reserved seats are sold as Oaks/Derby combos. They are traded around a lot, so the same people are rarely in the same seats both days. But it guarantees a huge crowd for the Oaks in the grandstand and clubhouse. The infield is a lot easier to navigate on Oaks Day than Derby Day, though.

The trash bag in the back pocket is a great idea.

How do you plan on getting to the track? The main streets are blocked off blocks away but taxis are allowed to drive right up. I parked at U of Louisville stadium and took shuttle, then walked back (no hurry) four years ago.