Kentucky Derby Help

[BGA89]

Long time reader, newbie poster...

I'm going to be attending my first Kentucky Derby this year. Driving down with some friends from OH. We plan on being on the infield grass, tipping a few back and betting the ponies. Questions are:
- Where to park?
- What time to get in line for gen adm. tickets?
- Where's the best place to stand?
- Any other tips on logistics of the place? Can't misses?

Thanks!!

[Zoltri]

Here's your best tip.
Bet the house on Bellamy Road. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[Clarkmeister]

I've been like 7 times. Here's some hints.

1. Get there EARLY and have a spot all camped out. Big blankets, a tent or shaded tarp are all nice.


2. Check the weather! It can be 90 and hot or 35 and rainy.

3. If you want to bet, just bet right away on everything. The lines are long and spending 40 minutes to make a bet will put a damper on your day. You are required to at least bet on the Derby itself, but it's advisable and more fun to at least put $2 on every race.

4. I'd make sure, but last time I was there it was OK to bring in a cooler, so you can smuggle in hard liquor on the bottom.

5. Parking will be on someones lawn, cost rises as you get closer to the track, likely in the $10-20 range.

6. It's tough to see anything from the infield. Stay as close to the outer rail as possible though as you'll get to see the blur as they go by, plus it becomes easier to find your spot when walking around. It's amazing how hard it can be to find your group when drunk and walking around in that huge infield. The veterans bring like tall flags with distinctive colors to help everyone find their spot.

7. Get really drunk and have lots of fun.

[BGA89]

Thanks for the help Clark. Where do I find a list of all the races and all the horses so I can take a stab at putting some $$ down first thing in the morning? Is there a good website out there???

[wayabvpar]

[ QUOTE ]
Here's your best tip.
Bet the house on Bellamy Road. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Good call. Save a few bucks for some mint juleps, or mojitos if you are more a rum fan.

[Clarkmeister]

[ QUOTE ]
Save a few bucks for some mint juleps

[/ QUOTE ]

Ugh. The most vile drink ever. It's like drinking gasoline.

[vulturesrow]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Save a few bucks for some mint juleps

[/ QUOTE ]

Ugh. The most vile drink ever. It's like drinking gasoline.

[/ QUOTE ]

Clark,

Did you ever have one made with fresh mint? It makes a world of difference IMO.Besides, it is the Derby, you have to have at least one.

[Soul Daddy]

[ QUOTE ]
Did you ever have one made with fresh mint? It makes a world of difference IMO.Besides, it is the Derby, you have to have at least one.

[/ QUOTE ]
This only applies to the people that get dressed up and wear hats. The drink of the infield is beer. Or bourbon.

There is a huge party on Central Ave (near the Downs) on Friday night. Avoid this unless you enjoy fearing for your life. Go to bars in the Highlands area, it's a [censored] mad house that weekend.

[siccjay]

There are plenty of places to park for free that are in easy walking distance from Churchill. I've been 4 times and I've never paid to park.

They cracked down on coolers I'm not sure the rules but it will be hard to get stuff in.

Can't help with the lines getting in because I always get someone to get me an employee pass and I walk right in.

If you are staying in the infield the betting lines will be long but it's not hard to find a spot somewhere else with no line.

Key people to look for: Jesus in his underwear with a guitar and the funny bongo playing jamaican guy that makes fun of people standing around. Honorable mention to the guy with Churchill Downs on his hat.

I advise you to bring a video camera as it will increase your view of boobies by 200%.

[siccjay]

PS: Don't count on ever seeing a horse from the infield. Well, other than on the TV screens.