Churchill Downs - Louisville, KY Tickets

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 $9, but can range all the way up to $39783. 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.

Permitted Bags:
• 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.

Prohibited Items:
• Oversized bags or coolers
• Backpacks
• Hard-sided containers
• Umbrellas
• Selfie sticks

Additional Guidelines:
• 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.

Churchill Downs Information

Churchill Downs is a one-of-a-kind horse racing raceway located in Louisville, Kentucky. This amazing venue first opened its doors in 1875 and has since become an integral part of the city's culture. Best known for hosting the Kentucky Derby, it also hosts other events, such as concerts and conventions. With a total seating capacity of over 41,000, it remains one of America’s top racetracks, providing visitors with thrills and excitement every single day.

Facts About Churchill Downs

Owner:	Churchill Downs Incorporated
Operated By:	Churchill Downs Incorporated
Architect:	Joseph Dominic Baldez
Size:	147 acres
Capacity:	170,000
Opened:	1875
Mission Statement:	“To provide the highest-quality horse racing and entertainment experience by delivering first-class customer service.”
Address:	700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208

Churchill Downs Seating

Currently, there is construction going on to add more seating, but visitors have said that this has not affected the view of the track in any way. Visitors can see no matter where they are seated. However, general grandstand seating is hard to find as most trackside seats are reserved boxes.

According to eventgoers, the speakers behind the seats are not the best quality and are too loud to understand, so try not to sit too close to them. The Big Screen offers a great, high-quality projection of the massive track from any seat.

Worried about those hard, outdoor seats? Add a level of comfort to your experience with seat cushions. You can bring seat cushions smaller than 15” by 15” if they don’t contain metal arms, zippers, pockets, or flaps.

The Churchill Downs Experience

When you're not catching your favorite race, Louisville offers plenty of other attractions to explore. Local restaurants, breweries, art galleries, museums, parks, monuments, and shopping districts are all available for visitors to enjoy. For outdoor enthusiasts, The Louisville Loop–a 100-mile trail for walking and biking–winds through some of the city's most beautiful neighborhoods. With a major airport nearby, it's easy to make your way into town for whatever length of stay you choose. There are also plenty of fun indoor activities for bad weather days, like exploring quirky shops or participating in art classes.

Churchill Downs is an iconic part of Kentucky culture and it has been host to some of the proudest moments in horse racing history. Whether you're a fan of the sport, or just looking for a great place to get together with friends, Churchill Downs is worth checking out!

10 Closest Hotels Near Churchill Downs

• Four Points by Sheraton Louisville Airport
  2850 Crittenden Dr, Louisville, KY 40209-1116
  1.1 miles

• Holiday Inn Airport & Fair/Expo Center
  447 Farmington Ave, Louisville, KY 40209-1133
  1.1 miles

• Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport
  2735 Crittenden Dr, Louisville, KY 40209-1113
  1.2 miles

• Super 8 Louisville/Expo Center
  101 Central Ave, I-65 South Exit 132, Louisville, KY 40209-1815
  1.1 miles

• Home2 Suites by Hilton Louisville Airport Expo Center
  3000 Crittenden Dr, Louisville, KY 40209
  1.1 miles

• Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport
  2735 Crittenden Dr, Louisville, KY 40209-1113
  1.2 miles

• Ramada Louisville Expo Center
  2912 Crittenden Dr, I-264 Exit 11, Louisville, KY 40209-1118
  1.2 miles

• Days Inn Louisville Central University & Expo Center
  1620 Arthur St, Louisville, KY 40208-2727
  1.6 miles

• Comfort Inn & Suites Airport & Expo
  653 Phillips Ln, Louisville, KY 40209-1325
  1.7 miles

• Quality Inn & Suites University/Airport
  311 E Gaulbert Ave, Louisville, KY 40208-2706
  1.7 miles

Check out the Churchill Downs schedule below and buy ticket to an event at The Downs today!