Quote:
|
Originally Posted by engbloomj
What is a decent seat? And, how much should I expect to pay? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
|
I like the 2nd Floor Grandstand (Sections 221-225) since they are elevated compared to the 1st Floor Grandstand and have their own betting lines (need a wristband for access), which are not as long as the betting lines in the first floor grandstand. However, I prefer the first 10 rows or so of the 2nd Floor Grandstand since the back rows have a ceiling over them (which is only good for shelter from the rain) which prevent you from seeing the track when the people in front of you stand up.
Note that the 1st and 2nd Floor Grandstands are bleacher seats with no seat backs.
But you would probably have to look hard (eBay, Stub Hub, Craig's List) to find 2nd Floor Grandstand seats under $300 each. However, I project weaker demand for Derby tickets this year due to the poor state of the economy and the Derby being what I would call a discretionary expenditure for most people. The last 2 years, the track has sold about 1,500 nicer seats at face value on a Saturday morning in April, where people have to line up at the track the night before to buy (the maximum that can be purchased is 2 per person)
For hotels near Churchill Downs, I am staying the next 2 weeks at the new Holiday Inn off of Crittenden Drive -- a very nice hotel and my room has a very comfortable king size bed and comes with a refrigerator and microwave. The only drawback is no free breakfast (but Cracker Barrel is just down the street).