Kentucky Derby 2008 Insights/Advice

[rock1968]

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]

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]

Any recommendations on where to stay?

[robfla]

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.

[Cannon Shell]

If you give me the 5k I will let you sleep in my tack room, will get you on the backside in the morning for the free donuts, will show you how to sneak up to the clubhouse without spending the $$ on a ticket and get you Steve Byk's selections for the day along with his autograph.

[Thunder Gulch]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

If you give me the 5k I will let you sleep in my tack room, will get you on the backside in the morning for the free donuts, will show you how to sneak up to the clubhouse without spending the $$ on a ticket and get you Steve Byk's selections for the day along with his autograph.

What kind of donuts? Anything with filling, or just plain glazed? Also, can you get me in position to rub up against Pam Anderson?

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Thunder Gulch

What kind of donuts? Anything with filling, or just plain glazed? Also, can you get me in position to rub up against Pam Anderson?

ew.

[paisjpq]

Originally Posted by Thunder Gulch

What kind of donuts? Anything with filling, or just plain glazed? Also, can you get me in position to rub up against Pam Anderson?

I thought she stopped going because of how mean it is to make the horsies run

[Scav]

Originally Posted by robfla

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.

How did you get tickets already?

[Bigsmc]

Originally Posted by Scav

How did you get tickets already?

I think it is like season tickets for other sports. Once you have them, you have them in the same spot every year.

[TheSpyder]

1. Go to the races earlier in the week, Thurs/Fri to enjoy the track. Once Saturday rolls around it is a massive wave of people and very difficult to get anywhere.

2. Track is very large. Spend Thurs. walking around as there's lots to see.

3. Got to check the infield..make a trip out there early Saturday and take a camera, you'll see something strange.

4. Be prepared to walk......alot, and wait......alot.

5. Stay downtown or close to it. That's where the "action" is, if that's what you want.

6. Saturday. Get clubhouse seats...anywhere.

7. Bring a raincoat.

[Scav]

Originally Posted by Bigsmc

I think it is like season tickets for other sports. Once you have them, you have them in the same spot every year.

No, when you are signing up for tickets, they ask you if you had tickets last year, and there is a disclaimer that says if you did, people that didn't have them last year have preference.

[robfla]

Originally Posted by Scav

How did you get tickets already?

as a twin spires club member I get them every year. I kept on applying until i got them. I applied year after year. Started getting them 5 years ago. Once you get them you get priority for the following years. Tickets don't come "in hand" until April 1st, but you have to pay for them by Oct 31

[rock1968]

I really appreciate all the feedback... It is going to be very helpful...