The Affirmed Lounge Experience at the Kentucky Derby®

The Venue

Guests aren't just limited to live track coverage and live entertainment, though (as if that isn't enough) – they are free to wander the museum, too, with its many exhibits ranging from Churchill’s first electric gate to the American Pharaoh exhibit! The Triple Crown™ winner’s early years, connections, and racing career are on display along with artifacts never before seen by the public and exclusive interactive media.

The Live Entertainment

Fan favorite bands are in full effect on Oaks and Derby days, and the vibes are always high. From well-known bops to melodic soul, these performers know how to set the tune for the weekend.  

The Celebrity Jockeys

Affirmed Lounge enjots visits from legendary jockeys on both Oaks and Derby days!  Jacinto Vásquez, retired Hall of Fame thoroughbred jockey, and Pat Day, a 1991 inductee into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, have been special guests in the past.

Jockeys are available for photos and autographs for guests. Each appears for approximately an hour each day to chat with guests about everything from their racing careers to their personal lives. This was easily one of the weekend’s highlights! 

Incredible food graces the tables of Affirmed Lounge at midday.  Shrimp and grits, Caprese salad, gourmet mac and cheese…delicious, filling fare is available buffet-style throughout the day.  Beverage stations are dotted throughout the venue, offering an array of cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks. Guests fill up their plates and glasses as they please, then take in the races while they enjoy food, beverages, and live music.

Trays filled with light hors d’oeuvres arrive in the afternoon, ensuring that no guest goes hungry as the day goes on. One of our favorite culinary features in Affirmed has to be the candy room, filled with every sweet imaginable, and takeaway bags so you can curb your sweet tooth throughout the races. 

Get Affirmed Lounge Access at the Kentucky Derby®

Revel in the atmosphere of Affirmed Lounge with a Grandstand Orange ticket package, offering open-air box seating with elevated views of the starting line and final stretch to ensure that you’ll be right at the heart of the action for “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”