Kentucky Derby 2008 Insights/Advice

rock1968 · #1 11-10-2007, 07:31 AM

OK,

I have never been to he Derby and for my 40th a couple of buddies and I are looking to finally make the trip. I am looking for advice on how to best experience the Kentucky Derby, if anyone can provide insights on where to stay, what are the places to eat, and where the best place is at the track to get the most of to day...

I would appreciate any feedback, links, is there a one stop shop all to make arrangements,

etc...

Thank You

TheSpyder · #2 11-10-2007, 08:31 AM

What's your budget? That is the first most important question...

robfla · #3 11-10-2007, 10:17 AM

get tickets NOT in the infield. A couple years ago they built "skyboxes" around the infield so if you are in the infiled the only way to watch the races is on a bigscreen TV. I went last year for the first time as well, and quite frankly it is something that every horseplayer should experience once, but I doubt I would do it again. Just too many people and even with very good seats, tough to get a good view of the races.

It was an excellent experience, saw Michael Jordan, and a few other celebs, as well as some very weird people. So the "experience" was great but from a pure horse player perspective it's one and done for me.

Do you have tickets already?

rock1968 · #4 11-10-2007, 11:06 AM

My budget is approx. $3,000 - $5,000. Is that realistic? Also, we do not have tickets yet, so insight on seating/logistics for where best to be at the track is much appreciated.

ALostTexan · #5 11-10-2007, 11:48 AM

With that budget you should be able to get pretty good tickets. Don't get infield tickets, but make sure that you visit the infield during the day.

Also, if you don't live in Louisville, make sure you get your hotel rooms reserved NOW. Don't wait on that...

rock1968 · #6 11-10-2007, 03:52 PM

Any recommendations on where to stay?

robfla · #7 11-10-2007, 06:06 PM

the earlier you make your reservations, the better. The longer you wait the further you will have to stay from CD. If I were you I'd start calling right away. Most hotels have a cancellation policy that if something changes you dont pay any penalty. All the usual suspects are in the area ( Mariott, Days Inn, Quality, etc. ) I waited until late last year and everything locally was sold out. Finally I found a place in Elizabethtown ( approx 50 miles away ) for 70 a night, my plans changed and was able to cancel with no fees. I wound up staying at a friend's place in Louisville

p.s.
i have 6 tickets sec. 123 for the Derby sec. 224 for the Oaks

PM me interested. I usually sell them on eBay starting January.