Churchill Begins Sale of Kentucky Derby Week Tickets

In keeping with their intention to conduct spring racing before paid spectators, Churchill Downs announced Feb. 12 that tickets for Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) week events are now on sale online.

Last year's Kentucky Derby, postponed until Sept. 5 from its traditional date on the first Saturday in May amid COVID-19, was run without paid attendance, though thousands of horsemen, staff, media, and VIPs attended racing. Churchill Downs wanted to host as many as 23,000 fans under COVID-19 health protocols but ultimately reversed course to run without paid spectators, announcing the decision about two weeks before the Derby.

Most major sporting events last summer and in early fall were conducted without fans.

Fans were permitted at the track last fall during its meet in November, though Churchill Downs does not draw the same volume of spectators during that season.

"Kentucky Derby Week represents a time of fun and excitement, and our team is working diligently to create and deliver the best customer experience possible as we do every year," said Churchill Downs president Mike Anderson. "We'll continue to rely on proven health and safety protocols and operate within the guidance of state health officials as well as the CDC.

"We previously reported that we are starting with the assumption that we will limit the number of reserved seats to 40-50% capacity and delay the sale of general admission tickets. If the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 continue to improve, then we will open more reserved seats and consider the sale of general admission tickets."

Attendance for the 2019 Kentucky Derby was 150,729. 

Guests with contractual seating, such as personal seat licenses, memberships, and annual tickets, and those who received refunds in 2020, will have rights to first refusal for the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby May 1 and the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) April 30.

There is no online sale planned for first-party reserved seating at this time, the track announced. However, contractual guests with tickets who are unable to attend the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, or other events can utilize the Kentucky Derby Ticket Exchange. The Kentucky Derby Ticket Exchange allows guests to resell tickets, at or above face value, with Ticketmaster verified tickets.

Notification of the availability of additional tickets to Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks will be made by way of email and social media. Churchill Downs encourages fans to subscribe to the Kentucky Derby's email distribution list and social media accounts to stay updated regarding ticket availability.

Those interested in attending Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks can also visit Derby Experiences to explore a variety of packages combining Derby and Oaks seats.

Churchill Downs ticket options are available for other popular Derby Week events: Opening Night presented by Budweiser (April 24); Dawn at the Downs (April 25-26); Champions Day presented by TwinSpires (April 27); and Thurby presented by Old Forester (April 29). 

In addition to Kentucky Derby Week, tickets are on sale for the entire spring meet, which covers 38 dates from April 24-June 26. 

Information regarding Churchill Downs' Health & Safety plan for Kentucky Derby 2021 can be found online