Kentucky Derby 151 fan guide: Everything you need to know about race day
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Kentucky Derby 151 preview
Click below to view more coverage from the Lexington Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com previewing the 151st Kentucky Derby to be held May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
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The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby is almost here.
While a new crew of thoroughbreds will aim to join the celebrated list of champions over the years, spectators from around the world will make their way to Louisville to ring in May with a weekend of horses, bourbon, style and Kentucky culture.
Though the official post time of “the greatest two minutes in sports” is set for 6:57 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, Derby Day provides visitors — and a global audience — a full day of excitement surrounding the longest-running continuous sporting event in the United States.
From when to show up, to what you’re allowed to bring to Churchill Downs, to how to watch if you don’t plan on making the trip, the Herald-Leader has you covered. Here’s everything you need to know to get ready for the 2025 Run for the Roses.
Derby Day logistics
All the information to get you ready for Derby Day, from Churchill Downs and beyond:
IF YOU GO TO THE DOWNS
General admission: Limited infield ticketing remains for as low as $120. Reserved grandstand and bleacher seating are available at higher prices at Ticketmaster.com.
Parking lots open: 8 a.m. on Oaks and Derby days for those with parking passes.
Gates open: 9 a.m.
First post time: 10:30 a.m.
Derby post time: 6:57 p.m. EDT (12th race)
Weather forecast: Sunny and dry, with highs reaching the upper 60s. There is little chance of precipitation, but there will be a max UV index of 9 (very high) — be sure to protect yourself from the sun during peak hours.
Parking: Onsite parking for Derby Day is sold out. If your ticket includes reserved parking, verify your designated lot on your onsite parking pass; all parking passes will be validated prior to lot entry, so have your parking pass (mobile or printed) ready to scan.
If your ticket does not include reserved parking, you can purchase parking (cash or card) at L&N Stadium ($40 for cars and trucks) and walk to Churchill Downs. You may also park in one of the neighborhoods near the track.
Central Avenue will be closed from May 1-3. Additional parking information is available at kentuckyderbyparking.com.
Taxi/Rideshare: There will be no onsite taxi or rideshare drop-off/pick-up. Visitors looking to do so must use the Bronze Lot at L&N Stadium. All guests will be required to shuttle to the Kentucky Exposition Center for access.
What you can bring: Churchill Downs visitors will be subject to a restricted bag policy during the week of the Derby; please note that each guest is permitted one bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. All guests will be required to leave any prohibited items before entry, so Churchill Downs is encouraging visitors to allow extra time to accommodate search procedures.
Visitors entering through the infield gate may bring a limit of two 24-ounce unopened plastic bottles per person. Infield gate entrants are also allowed boxed lunches or other food items stored in clear containers or plastic bags that are no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches.
Due to the forecast, make sure to bring sunscreen.
Banned items of note include coolers, air horns, balloons and inflatables, backpacks, umbrellas, illegal substances, alcoholic beverages and cans of any size or type, portable speakers, tents, tripods, laser lights and pointers, selfie sticks or poles of any size, tents, thermoses and pets (except trained service animals).
Visit KentuckyDerby.com to view a complete list of items that are permitted or banned.
The crowd: Expect hundreds of thousands of spectators to descend upon Churchill Downs this Saturday. Last year’s sesquicentennial brought out more than 150,000 guests, and the sun and excitement are sure to encourage a similar crowd to the facility, which holds an approximate fan capacity of 165,000.
The national anthem: Grammy nominated musician Grace Potter will perform the national anthem at approximately 5 p.m. Eleven-time Olympic medalist and USA Gymnastics great Simone Biles will give the “Riders Up” call for Derby jockeys to mount their horses.
Broadcast coverage
TV: WLEX-18 (8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); FanDuel TV (10:30 a.m.-noon); USA Network (noon-2:20 p.m.), NBC (2:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.); FanDuel TV (7:30 p.m.-conclusion of the race card).
Streaming: Live stream available on the NBC Sports app, at nbcsports.com/live and Peacock.
Radio: Audio coverage available on Sirius XM Channel 85.
Online coverage
X: Follow our main Herald-Leader accounts: @HeraldLeader and @KentuckySports. Additionally, follow our entire reporting team: John Clay (@johnclayiv), Jon Hale (@JonHale_HL), Mark Story (@markcstory), Cameron Drummond (@cdrummond97), Caroline Makauskas (@cmakauskas), Monica Kast (@monica_kast), Andrew Henderson (@andrwfhenderson), Kendall Staton (@kendallstaton1) and Ryan Hermens (@ryanhermens).
Bluesky: @KentuckySports
Facebook: Kentucky.com and KentuckySports.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/kentuckycom
TikTok: tiktok.com/@heraldleader
Local wagering locations
KEENELAND
4201 Versailles Road, Lexington
General admission: $10 in advance, free for ages 12 and under when accompanied by an adult. All public parking is free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Drive-through betting: 7:30 a.m. to 6:57 p.m.
Gates open: 10 a.m.
Grandstand mutuel windows open: 10 a.m.
Activities: Live music and food trucks while you tailgate on the Hill, a hat contest, special children’s activities including face painting, games and pony rides, and more.
Cashing tickets: Keeneland won’t be open to cash tickets after Derby Day, but guests may still cash any uncashed tickets at Red Mile in the days following.
Information: (859) 254-3412; www.keeneland.com
RED MILE
1200 Red Mile Road, Lexington
Admission: Red Mile is hosting a daylong event featuring food, drink and betting. Walk-in entry is not guaranteed, but Red Mile will grant entry if space allows. Tickets are available by table only, as opposed to per person, and are sold for $120 for a table for two, $240 for a table for four, $360 for a table for six and $480 for a table for eight. Limited seating remains, and listed prices do not include tax or an additional fee.
Clubhouse doors open: 10:30 a.m.
Buffet opens: 11:30 a.m.
Information: (859) 255-0752; RedMileKy.com
ONLINE BETTING
These services are similar in offerings and features, so use personal taste and comfort level when deciding which online betting partner is best for you:
▪ TwinSpires, the “official online wagering home of the Kentucky Derby,” is accessible at Twinspires.com on your computer, or by searching for TwinSpires in the app store on your smartphone. Sign-up required.
▪ FanDuel Sportsbook also provides online and app options for Derby betting. Sign up at FanDuel.com or search for FanDuel in the app store.
▪ Keeneland Select, “an affiliate of Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company” and an affiliate of Keeneland itself, allows wagering on the Run for the Roses, as well as other races around the world via website or app. New accounts that wager $300 in the first 30 days of signing up will receive $100 back. You can sign up at Keeneland.com/select or search for Keeneland Select in the app store.
This story was originally published May 1, 2025 at 6:30 AM with the headline "Kentucky Derby 151 fan guide: Everything you need to know about race day."
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