Churchill Downs, renowned for the Kentucky Derby, has various seating sections grouped by tiers, catering to different viewing preferences and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the main section groupings:

Clubhouse Box Seating

Box Seats: Closest to the action, providing excellent views of the track. These are premium seats offering the best view and VIP treatment, including access to betting windows, restrooms, and various dining options.

Grandstand Seating

These are the sections along the home stretch and final turn of the track, offering great sightlines and proximity to the action.
Sections 121-128 provide good views of the race.
Finish Line Seats (Sections 123-125) are considered premium in the grandstand, offering the best views of the race's thrilling conclusion.

Millionaires Row

Millionaires Row 4th and 6th Floors: Offers premium amenities like access to exclusive lounges, gourmet food, and beverage service. It is an exclusive indoor dining area known for hosting celebrities and offering some of the best views of the race.

Infield General Admission

The infield provides a party-like atmosphere and is the most budget-friendly option, but views of the race may be partially obstructed.

Suite Level

Stakes Room: An exclusive area that offers a panoramic view of the entire track. The Stakes Room provides an all-inclusive dining experience and private wagering.
Mansion: The most luxurious seating option at Churchill Downs, offering a unique, high-end experience with VIP service, gourmet food, and premium beverages. This area is often reserved for celebrities and dignitaries.

Terrace Lounge

Provides a comfortable, open-air hospitality setting combined with tiered seating and bar-style tables and chairs. Offers a clear view of the racing action.

Churchill Downs offers a range of seating experiences to fit different preferences, whether it's luxury, proximity, or value for money.

Churchill Downs Events

Tickets to Churchill Downs events are available now at Event Tickets Center! Oftentimes, Churchill Downs shows are difficult to come by. But, Event Tickets Center has a variety of tickets available for the next several events at the venue. Prices start at $93, but can range all the way up to $197950. So, you need to act fast before ticket prices rise. If you are on the fence about going to see a Churchill Downs event, we have conveniently laid out some of the most important information about the venue. Check out insider information about parking, concessions, seating, rideshare, public transportation, bag policy, amenities, and more! Find the event you want to attend in the event list above, so you can purchase your tickets to go see your next Churchill Downs event live!

Churchill Downs Racing Schedule

Churchill Downs is the hub for several events. The venue serves as the stage for lacrosse and racing events, in addition to hosting other functions.

Churchill Downs Experience

Getting to a Show at Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs is located at 700 Central Ave, Louisville, Kentucky, 40208. We've got you covered with all the options to get there, from public transportation to convenient rideshares.

Churchill Downs Rideshare Drop-off and Pickup Location

At Churchill Downs, there are specific pick-up locations for rideshare users. You’ll find the designated pick-up spots at the main entrance of the racetrack, on 700 Central Ave. Using rideshare to attend an event is a great option because it eliminates the stress of finding parking, which can often be scarce and expensive. Additionally, ridesharing promotes safety by providing reliable transportation if you plan on consuming alcohol during your visit.

Closest Bus Stop to Churchill Downs

For a budget-friendly option, the nearest bus stop is located at Taylor @ Central. This bus station is located 1,031 mi from the venue.

Arrival Times for Churchill Downs?

Arrival times may vary depending on the event, but we recommend arriving at the venue about an hour before the scheduled start time. This gives you some breathing room in case of traffic congestion, parking difficulties, visits to the merchandise store, or if you want to grab some food and drinks before the event starts.

If you plan on tailgating, we recommend getting to Churchill Downs even earlier, so you can enjoy the full pregame experience!

Inside Churchill Downs

When you come to an event at Churchill Downs, make sure to bring your ticket and a valid ID, especially if you intend to purchase alcohol. We recommend bringing a credit or debit card and also some cash. Because this is an outdoor venue, it can get a little cold during the winter months (and sometimes year round), so we recommend checking the weather report to consider bringing extra layers and maybe even a blanket. Plus, it might be worth it to carry a rain jacket or poncho just in case the weather changes.

Want to ensure a smooth entry to Churchill Downs? We've got you covered! From security to accessibility, we've compiled all the info you need for a hassle-free arrival.

Churchill Downs Bag Policy & Prohibited Items

To ensure a smooth and secure experience for all guests, Churchill Downs has implemented a restricted bag policy during Derby Week and Kentucky Derby. This policy applies from April 29 through Derby Day and aims to minimize security risks and enhance crowd flow within the racetrack.

One small bag not exceeding 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches.
One large clear bag, either a one-gallon clear Ziploc-style storage bag or a clear tote bag measuring 12 inches by 6 inches.

Oversized bags or coolers
Backpacks
Hard-sided containers
Umbrellas
Selfie sticks

All bags are subject to inspection upon entry.
Guests are encouraged to utilize lockers for storing personal belongings that exceed the permitted bag sizes.

Churchill Downs Concessions

Plenty of concessions are available at Churchill Downs. Non-alcoholic beverages are served as well as alcoholic beverages including but not limited to beer, hard seltzer, liquor, mixed drinks and wine.

Churchill Downs Accepted Payment Methods

Churchill Downs primarily operates on a cashless basis. This implies that while some vendors may still accept cash, most onsite purchases are done with digital wallets or debit and credit cards. Although Churchill Downs accepts most credit cards (such as Visa and Mastercard), it is prudent to carry a small amount of cash for tipping and for the few vendors that might accept it inside and outside the venue.