Has anyone ever been? I'm interested in going in May, but I don't know much about the area. I've been to Lexington once, but not to Louisville.

Just wondering if anyone has had any personal experience. Where to stay, tickets, etc (although according to the website, all reserved seating is sold out so it would have to be general admission)

3/28/2006 11:25:36 AM

never been but i've heard that general admission is where the fun is
don't plan on actually being able to see the race though

3/28/2006 11:26:40 AM

yeah i used to live there

don't worry about tickets - go to the infield - that's where the party is at anyways

louisville is split into the hick part -typically south louisville - and the rich catholic part - more or less just about everywhere else but mainly the northeast

where to stay depends on if you will have a car out there and how much you want to spend

3/28/2006 11:32:53 AM

Its during finals. I wanted to go, too.

3/28/2006 11:33:16 AM

it's on the weekend - it's doable - 8.5hr drive if you are moving at a good speed and don't stop too much

i-40 to 52 in kernersville/winston-salem - to 74/77 up to 64 - take 64 into louisville - there are 3 $1.50 tolls this way
you can take i-40 to knoxville then take 75 up to 64 in lexington to avoid the tolls but the trip is ~50 miles longer

[Edited on March 28, 2006 at 11:41 AM. Reason : .]

3/28/2006 11:39:41 AM

What about the infield? - I haven't been able to find any information about what's allowed.

Can you bring your own alcohol? food, etc?

3/28/2006 11:44:12 AM

yes/yes/yes

it's a huge party - mardi gras-esque flashing - beads - everyone is drunk

haven't been in about 4 years - but i can't imagine much has changed - it's been the same way for years - drunken debauchery - slight pause for the short derby race

[Edited on March 28, 2006 at 11:48 AM. Reason : .]

3/28/2006 11:47:25 AM

While that does sound fun, I would like to actually see a little bit of the race or at least be somewhere near the horses at some point. With the general admission are you allowed to go to other parts of the track?

3/28/2006 12:01:25 PM

not sure all of the rules - horse owners can go anywhere

3/28/2006 12:45:58 PM

I went back on 2004, a few of us rented an RV and went. We stayed at a flea market within walking distance from Churchill Downs. One thing I will say about L-ville, lots of strip clubs. Everywhere you look it seems. We went to both the Kentucky Downs on Friday and the Derby on Saturday. As others have said, mardi-gras esque. Took plenty of beads, and left with hardly any. The infield was a huge party, but you can get right up on the fence. One thing to remember is there are about 14 races each day. If you've got any other questions, feel free to ask, I'll try to answer.

3/28/2006 6:05:21 PM