Posted by on 26 فبراير، 2020
What a Weekend at the Kentucky Derby® Looks Like
Planning to attend the 2020 Kentucky Derby®?
You've come to the right place.
Whether you've got your tickets already or are still looking to purchase, we're here to give you a look at what a typical day at Churchill Downs® looks like during Kentucky Derby weekend.
Below is a sample itinerary of how to plan your trip to the 2020 Kentucky Derby.
*All times listed are subject to change.
2020 Kentucky Derby Sample Itinerary
Thursday — Arrival in Louisville
| Time | Activity |
| 3 p.m. | Check into hotel in Louisville area |
| 6 p.m. | Typical dinner time in Louisville |
Friday — Kentucky Oaks® Day
| Time | Activity |
| Morning | Eat breakfast at your hotel |
| 10:30 a.m. | Post time for first race of the day |
| 2:00 p.m. | Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest |
| 5:30 p.m. | Survivors Parade |
| 6:10 p.m. | Post time for the Kentucky Oaks |
| 7:00 p.m. | Depart Churchill Downs and head back to hotel |
Saturday — Kentucky Derby Day
| Time | Activity |
| Morning | Eat breakfast at your hotel |
| 8:00 a.m. | At the track early? Go start your day with a Mint Julep, the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. They are available as soon as the gates open at Churchill Downs. |
| 10:00 a.m. | Place your first bet! Wagering windows open at this time around the track |
| 10:30 a.m. | First race post time at Churchill Downs |
| 12:00 p.m. | Head to the VIP Gate and watch along as the celebrities make their entrance into Churchill Downs. Celebrities will be entering until about 2:30 p.m. |
| 12:30 p.m. | While you're out of your seat, head to the Paddock and get a close view of the horses as they prepare for their race. |
| 1:20 p.m. | Head to the Winner's Circle and watch the Military Armed Forces Enlistment Ceremony |
| 5:00 p.m. | Remove your hat and sing along as the National Anthem is performed |
| 6:00 p.m. | Head back to your seats as the Kentucky Derby contenders start to make their way from the barn to the Paddock. |
| 6:33 p.m. | Witness the jockeys mount their horses after the famous "Riders Up!" call is made. |
| 6:35 p.m. | Sing along to "My Old Kentucky Home" as it echoes throughout Churchill Downs |
| 6:45 p.m. | Post time for the 2020 Kentucky Derby |
| 7:30 p.m. | Depart Churchill downs and head back to hotel |
Other Important Kentucky Derby Day Notes
- Horses can be found in the Paddock 20 minutes before each race of the day. Post times will be added as the event gets closer.
- There are a total of 13 races on Kentucky Derby day, each approximately 60 minutes apart from each other.
- More more information on how to place a bet, check out this GUIDE.
Sunday — Final Day
| Time | Activity |
| 12 p.m. | Check out of hotel room |
Attend the 2020 Kentucky Derby with an Official Ticket Package
Your 2020 Kentucky Derby plans start here! Join us at the 2020 Kentucky Derby and get a 2-Day race ticket, premium hospitality access, exclusive experiences and much more. Derby Experiences offers over 30 different Official Ticket Packages for the 2020 Kentucky Derby, each with their own special benefits.
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