How to Get Tickets to the Kentucky Derby

There are several American sporting events that many consider must-see. The NFL's title game known as the Super Bowl, the Indianapolis 500, as well as Professional Golf's crown jewel The Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia surely qualify as must-see events in American Sports. In horse racing, the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs is arguably America's most celebrated horse racing event. Therefore, acquiring tickets to attend this event is no easy task.

You can attempt to purchase tickets from the Churchill Downs official website, however, premium seats are often difficult, if not impossible to find. If you go this route, try to order the tickets well in advance, at least a year. Grandstand seats are sometimes attainable.

You could also register to become a member of the Churchill Downs Twin Spires Club, which is a rewards-based program. For instance, if you wager $5,000, your reward points have the potential to double. The ones with more points have a better chance of winning tickets to the Kentucky Derby, but of course, this is a long shot.

A more realistic way of purchasing decent to premium tickets is through a ticket broker online. Unfortunately, the price will exceed the face value of the ticket, sometimes by a significant amount, but if you find the right ticket broker, you will have the opportunity to attend the Kentucky Derby. Some ticket brokers are not quite legitimate, perhaps a little shady, so it is a risk. If anyone chooses this method of ticket purchase, always make sure the company you are working with is legitimate and trustworthy. There are many ticket brokers available via the internet, you just have to find the right one.

Infield and general admission tickets are generally less expensive and easier to attain. However, they do not offer the best views. As short as the actual race is, most fans want to catch every second of the action. With that said, this is a realistic way to attend the Kentucky Derby if you plan the trip to Louisville.

With infield seating, you may have to bring your own lawn chair. Additionally, the infield can be a crowded place on race day. In many cases, general admission entrants have their view obstructed as they are behind the grandstands or clubhouse. At least Churchill Downs has television sets so the general admission crown can still watch the race. However, if you are going to watch the race, you can do it for free in the comfort of your own residence. Still, you cannot blame ones for wanting to be a part of the big event.

Attending the Kentucky Derby should not be a spontaneous decision unless you live near the venue. It is recommended that travelers book accommodations at least a year prior to the race. Hotel rooms become scarce rather quickly, it is difficult to find a room if you wait until the last minute.

While premier tickets to the Kentucky Derby may not be the easiest to acquire, it is a crown jewel sporting event, a once in a lifetime trip, especially for horse racing enthusiasts, as well as the bettors.

Resource: Churchill Downs Website, Twin Spires Club