VISITING INFORMATION

Get ready for your visit to historic Churchill Downs with helpful tips and event information.

FIRST TIME AT THE RACES?

Take our guided experience tour and learn more about planning your trip. Complete your check list to get ready visit Churchill Downs!

Explore our guided experience

WHAT TO EXPECT CHURCHILL DOWNS

Your Tickets

Tickets are non-refundable and all tickets are accessed digitally.

Finding Help

If you see something, say something. Text the word DERBY to 69050 and you will be placed in touch with Guest Services.

What You Can Bring

Safety and security of all of our guests is taken very seriously. Your bag may be searched, and you may be wanded by security upon entry.

The Crowd

While there won’t be 150,000 people at the track like there is on Derby, large crowds are often present at large stakes race days and featured event days.

Dress Code

While there typically isn’t the need to dress up like Derby, there are some instances and areas that have dress codes or where themed attire is encouraged.

Weather

Races are a rain or shine event be prepared as a large number of seatings are outdoors and uncovered.

Persons with Disabilities

We will do our absolute best to accommodate persons with disabilities. We are unable to provide wheelchairs for rent or storage.

Cellular & Wi-Fi Service

There is public Wi-Fi available on race days.

WHAT TO EXPECT

TRAVEL: PARKING & TRANSPORTATION

On-Site Parking

There is plenty of on site parking. See more information on directions to specific lots for each meet.

Ride Share & Pick-Up

Taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off should be encouraged to take guests to the Clubhouse or VIP gates.

ADA Parking

There will be ADA-accessible parking in our parking lots.

EXPLORE TRAVEL INFORMATION

EVENT INFORMATION

Security Information

Arrive early to accommodate search procedures at all admission gates.

First Aid

Norton Sports Health, the Official Medical Provider for Churchill Downs

Gate & Post Times

Get all of the information surrounding the races.

Policies & Exceptions

Review the list of items that are permitted and those that cannot be brought into the racing facility.

Download the Churchill Downs App

Download to access your tickets, facility maps, wayfinding and more!

EXPLORE ALL EVENT INFORMATION

VISITING US FAQs

Our goal is to make sure you have a memorable experience at Churchill Downs. Please see our helpful guide of frequently asked questions.

View More Questions

Typically, Churchill Downs has three meets a year where live racing occurs. There is the Spring Meet which begins after the Kentucky Derby. Later in the year there is also the September and Fall Meet which concludes after Thanksgiving weekend. Check out the calendar to see all of our race days here.

The exact race time can vary from day to day during the meet. We encourage you to review the calendar to see all post times for the day you plan on attending the races.

Churchill Downs has a number of race days with unique features. This can include family adventure days with activities for children, Twilight Thursday for evening races with discount drinks and food trucks and Downs After Dark which have night time racing and themes to name a few. We encourage you to check out the specific featured events for the upcoming meet.

Yes, there are restrictions on items you can bring, including bag size limitations and prohibited items. Check out the full list for the most up-to-date information.

While there typically isn’t the need to dress up like Derby, there are some instances and areas that have dress codes or where themed attire is encouraged. Downs After Dark for example are night time races with themed events and encouraged. In some locations, like membership clubs and suites, there are certain levels of dress required. Follow this helpful information, and check the seating areas pages you are attending for specific Do’s and Dont's.

Track Casual
Applicable Areas: Aristides Lounge, Champions Bar & Balcony, First Turn Club Dining, Gold Room, Homestretch Club, Loft at Aristides Lounge, Millionaires Row, Skye Terrace, Stakes Room & Balcony, Winner’s Circle Suites

Do's: Jackets and blazers optional. Vests, shirts with collars, sweaters, dresses, pantsuits, dress jeans, dress shorts and slacks are appropriate, as are golf shorts and capris.

Don'ts: Worn or torn garments, crop or midriff tops, athletic wear, swim wear, frayed or torn denim, and flip-flops are considered inappropriate attire.

Smart Casual

Applicable Areas: Derby Room, Grand Foyer, Jockey Club Suites, Matt Winn’s Steakhouse, Oaks Room, Roses Lounge, Starting Gate Suites, Triple Crown Room & Balcony, Turf Club Boxes

Do's: Jackets and blazers optional. Vests, shirts with collars, sweaters, dresses, pantsuits, dress jeans, dress shorts and slacks are appropriate.

Don'ts: Cargo shorts, t-shirts, crop or midriff tops, athletic wear, swim wear, frayed or torn denim or shorts, and tennis shoes are considered inappropriate attire.

*Dress Code for Roses Lounge is Smart Casual, except for Derby Week, Mother's Day, Preakness, Belmont, Thanksgiving and the Clark Handicap when this room is considered to be Turf Club Roses Lounge. On these days the dress code is Business Casual.

Business Casual

Applicable Areas: Directors Room, Finish Line Suites & Balcony, Spires Terrace & Suites, Trophy Room, Turf Club Roses Lounge, Turf Club Terrace & Balcony

Do's: Jackets and blazers, vests, shirts with collars, sweaters, dresses, pantsuits, slacks and capri pants are appropriate.

Don'ts: Jeans/denim, shorts, t-shirts, crop or midriff tops, athletic wear, swim wear, and flip-flops are all considered inappropriate attire & are not permitted in these areas.

Churchill Downs race days run rain or shine. It's a good idea to check the weather forecast and bring appropriate attire, including rain gear, if necessary. Check out the full list for the most up-to-date information.

Know where to go throughout the facility. Check out our updated facility maps that can also be found throughout the facility on race day. Facility Map

Also, while you are on site, utilize the Churchill Downs App and the helpful Wayfinding tool which has key locations throughout the facility. The with this tool, you can get step by step instructions to different locations and special activations throughout Churchill Downs.