Churchill Downs will institute new entry procedures that will be in effect for guests visiting the track any day of Kentucky Derby Week, starting Saturday, April 28 through Derby day May 5. The track launched KentuckyDerbyParking.com to help visitors plan their arrival.
“Churchill Downs has invested heavily to improve the arrival and entry experience for all our guests and employees. We want to ensure a safe and secure environment, while helping people get in and out of the venue as efficiently as possible,” said Churchill President Kevin Flanery. “We encourage everyone joining us for Derby Week to visit KentuckyDerbyParking.com so you know exactly what to expect before you get to the track.”
Derby Week visitors will be the first to use Churchill Downs' new expanded entry plaza, which will lead guests from Central Avenue to the newly constructed paddock gate that's replacing previous entrances at gates one and 17. The track renamed its admission gates to reflect their locations in the venue: paddock gate, clubhouse gate and infield gate.
New entry procedures include: all guest passing through a metal detector; prohibited items (which are listed on kentuckyderbyparking.com); self-scanning entry turnstiles; no reentry; secondary ticket scanning and official wristbands for certain sections; and quick entry lanes for guests with no bags. The track has released a video to inform guests on what to expect, which can be viewed here.
In keeping with tradition, guests on Oaks and Derby Days are permitted to bring in food and box lunches in clear plastic bags smaller than 18 inches by 18 inches. However, these items are prohibited opening night Apr. 28 through Thurby May 3.
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