Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs is one of the premier Thoroughbred racing tracks in the world. Located in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, just south of the Ohio River, the track is the site of the annual
Kentucky Derby
, the
Kentucky Oaks
, the Stephen Foster Handicap and the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic. It has also hosted the prestigious Breeder's Cup nine separate times. Opened in 1875, Churchill Downs has a long and prestigious history. Triple Crown winners Secretariat, War Admiral and American Pharoah, among others, all made history at Churchill Downs. The racetrack was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986 in recognition of its long heritage. It has a seating capacity of 170,000, making it one of the largest sports venues anywhere in the country. You can catch all Churchill Downs events live by purchasing tickets at StubHub.
The Transit Authority of River City provides specific drop-off and pickup locations throughout the greater Louisville area. Hotel shuttles, motor coaches and buses can also drop off guests in designated areas at Kentucky Derby Drive and Thornberry Avenue. If you cannot obtain transport from one of these options, then you can still use taxi services or ridesharing options. Yellow Cab is the official taxi service of Churchill Downs. It operates from the auto court next to the Executive Gate.
Churchill Downs parking features several color-coded lots located around the racetrack. If your ticket comes with reserved parking, then you should follow the instructions to the designated lot. If your ticket does not include reserved parking, then you can park in one of the free lots, including green, orange, yellow, turquoise and black. You can also park in one of the surrounding neighborhoods and walk to the track on foot.
When you arrive at Churchill Downs, you can obtain free ADA parking in the blue, yellow and black lots. If you reserved your parking ahead of time, then you can find your accessible spot in the white lots. Accessible seating is available on all three floors of the stands. A limited number of wheelchairs are available at Churchill Downs if you did not bring your own. You can contact a guest service representative to assist you with whatever you need.
Churchill Downs premium seating options offer several different types of suites. Jockey Club Suites, which have enough room for 24 guests, are located on the fourth, fifth and sixth floors of the Jockey Club Suite Clubhouse. Custom catering, a wet bar, wait staff and indoor lounge seating are all included. The Winner's Circle Suites provide open-air lounge seating near the winner's circle. It comes with custom catering and game day programs. Private rooms are available as well.
The museum is a celebration of the derby's history and thoroughbred racing in general. It is located directly adjacent to Churchill Downs. You will need to purchase tickets separately. Tickets include a walking tour of the racetrack, a stable exhibit with a resident thoroughbred and companion pony, an 18-minute media experience, access to a gift shop and cafŽ and more.