I would not give up hope just yet. I live in Louisville and will keep trying for tickets and will keep the board informed.

I went back to check to see if there were any tickets left from Wednesday's sale and clicked on the website link in my browsing history and lo and behold, it appears to let you go in and buy tickets. I PMed some of you on this thread with the website link. But the prices are still unreasonably high unless you want Section 128. And right now there were no 2nd Floor Grandstand seats out there -- who bought all the 2nd Floor seats that a number of us used to have in prior years?

Thanks for that, appreciate it. Might jump on the 128 tickets just to get some and try and upgrade for Derby Day.

I wonder if the link I sent you is an intended back door into their website. I guess the worst they can do is not honor the sale and not charge your credit card. But if it allows you to purchase the tickets, they should honor the sale. I will probably also go in and buy the Section 128 tickets.

Can't even access the website. when you do, none of the links work. who is churchill's web programmer... :eek:

I sent you a PM with the website link I sent a few others yesterday. See if it works and good luck.

Section 128 blows and I'm still not paying $600 for second floor grandstand. My HDTV and twinspires.com will have to do the trick this year.

I think Section 128 is okay from the front row. They had some front row seats available in Section 128 yesterday.

I've sat in the temporary seating for Derby before (2007) and wasn't a big fan. I will say that the lines for the port-a-potties out in that area are infinitely shorter than the lines for the regular bathrooms, so I guess that is a plus.

I'm late to the discussion so I don't know if this has already been stated, but ticket brokers usually offer 3rd floor grandstand seats for around $650-$700 per seat for Derby Day. If I'm reading some of the other offers on here correctly, going through a broker in the final days before the race might be the way to go.

Has anybody had much luck buying tickets the couple days before the derby from a local broker or buying from a scalper the day of the derby?

650 for a 3rd floor ticket is a steal compared to a similar amount for section 128.

Churchill was selling the Section 128 tickets for $185 each that includes both the Derby and Oaks.

I bought 4 in Section 225 at $275 a pop (tix for both days) through the "Premium" sale.
They went on EBay today.

Also, I've had good luck just wandering around outside Derby morning if you don't need more than 2 tickets. Usually you'll find someone who has corporate tickets with a couple extras that is happy to unload them for just over face for some fresh cash.

I see the Section 111 tickets back on the website at $243 each for both days.

Amazingly, both Preakness and Belmont tickets are now available...on Ticketmaster? Anyway, I'll be making a return to Elmont for the first time since 2008. Have to get my Triple Crown fix somehow.

Not everybody is my group is making it this year so I have some extras if anybody is interested:

Oaks - 3 tickets - Section 126 Row V
Derby - probably 1 ticket (but maybe 3) - Section 126 Row V

Also have an extra hotel room at the airport. Check in Friday, out on Sunday. Booked it a year ago before they jacked up the rates. PM me if interested.

Hustle
PM me the price..........when will you know about the Derby?

CDI being as customer friendly as ever:




Thank you for registering for tickets to the 2012 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks!

In response to the feedback from our customers and in an effort to provide you with the best experience possible, we are enhancing the process for our online ticketing sales.

Visitors will now have the unique opportunity to select preferences for their seating locations for the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby and Oaks.

On Monday, November 7, 2011, you will receive an e-mail and Seating Preference Request Form that describes available seating options and pricing.

A deposit in the amount of $100 is required to be paid by credit card at the time you submit your preferences. If your request is filled, your $100 deposit will be applied toward the price of the tickets being purchased. If we are unable to fulfill your request, $50 of your deposit will be refunded to your credit card and the remaining $50 will be retained as an administrative fee. If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to sales@kyderby.com.

Churchill Downs will accept completed Seating Preference Request Forms for Kentucky Derby and Oaks seats from November 7, 2011, through Sunday, November 20, 2011.

If we are able to fulfill your request an electronic invoice will be sent by January 31, 2012. If we are unable to fulfill your request an electronic refund notice will be sent by January 31, 2012.

Requests will be filled in order of time received, subject to ticket availability and based on the ticket preferences you select.

Good luck and thank you for your interest in the 2012 Kentucky Derby and Oaks!

Wow. If we can't fulfill your request, we'll keep half of your money.

Brilliant strategy.