Derby Tickets

[infield_line]

You can go to Keeneland and watch the whole card simulcasted on the big screen. I know, not the same, but big crowd, similar atmoshere, much easier access to windows and pretty much a really great time for $3 admission. If you plan ahead there are party tents and upper scale buffet parties.

Unless I could get decent CD seats, I would do Keeneland without any remorse,

I/L

[infield_line]

You need to go to The Derby at least once, even if it's the infield. There are semi-sane areas, but facilities get pretty gross and you can't just assume you can wait until 2 min to post and walk up and get a wager down. I went to the infield pre-9/11, so the terrorists may have made it tougher to bring in the essentials to survive for 8 hours with 100,000 close friends

I/l

[Scav]

Originally Posted by infield_line

You can go to Keeneland and watch the whole card simulcasted on the big screen. I know, not the same, but big crowd, similar atmoshere, much easier access to windows and pretty much a really great time for $3 admission. If you plan ahead there are party tents and upper scale buffet parties.

Unless I could get decent CD seats, I would do Keeneland without any remorse,

I/L

This is what Hooves does every year and he swears by it, says it is awesome

[slotdirt]

I stay up in Indiana. The Ramada in Sellersburg (or is it Jeffersonville) does a pretty good deal with a two night minimum for a few hundred bones.

Agreed that the second floor grandstand is awesome - I saw there for the 2005 Derby - but those tickets are even harder to get than the first floor jobs.

[Scav]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

I stay up in Indiana. The Ramada in Sellersburg (or is it Jeffersonville) does a pretty good deal with a two night minimum for a few hundred bones.

Agreed that the second floor grandstand is awesome - I saw there for the 2005 Derby - but those tickets are even harder to get than the first floor jobs.

I actually stayed at the Caesars Palace in Indiana last year, they comped me so it was too hard to pass up. It was actually nice, and really close, although the tables there were by far the coldest tables I have ever been apart of. I called the other day to see if I could get another comp and they were having NONE of it, $400 a night and that is a discount off someone regular for that weekend.....I have a hard time spending $400 a night for a hotel room, unless it comes with a stripper or three of them

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Scav

I actually stayed at the Caesars Palace in Indiana last year, they comped me so it was too hard to pass up. It was actually nice, and really close, although the tables there were by far the coldest tables I have ever been apart of. I called the other day to see if I could get another comp and they were having NONE of it, $400 a night and that is a discount off someone regular for that weekend.....I have a hard time spending $400 a night for a hotel room, unless it comes with a stripper or three of them

That place sucks, they wont even let you have 25 comp drinks a night!

[Scav]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

That place sucks, they wont even let you have 25 comp drinks a night!

[cantknockthehustle]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

I stay up in Indiana. The Ramada in Sellersburg (or is it Jeffersonville) does a pretty good deal with a two night minimum for a few hundred bones.

Agreed that the second floor grandstand is awesome - I saw there for the 2005 Derby - but those tickets are even harder to get than the first floor jobs.

This is my third consecutive derby and I have been lucky enough to get tickets directly from Churchill Downs for the last two. My seats are on the rail and I wouldn't trade it for a seat in the place. (if it rains I might change my mind)

This year I learned a great trick regarding hotels...look to book your hotel literally the day after the Derby for the next year if you think you will be going. If you do this then the hotels don't have a chance to adjust their room rates. I am staying in Louisville this year for $89 a night, no minimum stay.

[slotdirt]

I've just filled out the form at the Ramada the day after the Derby every year since 2005. I also sit on the rail and LOVE it.

[ddthetide]

Originally Posted by Scav

This is what Hooves does every year and he swears by it, says it is awesome

we were fortunate to get invited to a buffet at keeneland. it was the afleet alex derby and we had a GREAT time! would do it again if invited.