The countdown to the 2023 Kentucky Derby is on! Here, we'll keep you updated on everything you need to know, from the basics to the big headlines.The basicsThe 149th running of the Kentucky Derby will be held at historic Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 6.There are 20 spots to be filled by thoroughbred horses competing in the Run For the Roses.You can keep an eye on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard here to see which horses are ahead on qualifying points. As many as 150,000 people are expected to attend Derby.TicketsPlanning your Derby already? Tickets are on sale for the Spring Meet including all of Derby week. CLICK HERE TO GET TICKETS.Ticket sales thus far suggest record crowds.Derby Week scheduleMay 2 - 502'sDayMay 3 - Champions DayMay 4 - ThurbyMay 5 - OaksMay 6 - DerbyTraffic/parkingREAD THE FULL TRAFFIC PLAN HEREWhat's new this year502'sDayThis year will feature the typical build-up to Derby Day with Thurby and Kentucky Oaks. However, Champions Day, usually held on the Tuesday before Derby, is being moved to Wednesday to open Tuesday up for a brand new event called 502'sDay.The new pre-Derby Day event will be geared more toward locals with a general admission of only $5. Churchill Downs says the best of Louisville will be on full display. You can read more about it here. New "first turn" experience and constructionA $200 million construction project is underway to redesign the Paddock area, expected to be complete by next Derby. In the meantime, there will be a temporary Paddock area installed. You should not anticipate any restricted areas due to construction. And the "First Turn Club" will be unveiled, which includes inclusive stadium seats. The new structure will be replacing the former Vineyard Vines grandstand, as well as section 110, and will create more than 7,100 new reserved seats for premium ticket holders. To put that into perspective, the previous structure could only hold roughly 3,400 patrons.There will also be a 100-foot canopy that extends out to cover all the seats. Read more here.Renovated gift shopA $30,000 renovation was completed in early February. The first real work done to the shop since it opened in 2000, you'll see new floors, new lighting and more added space. You can read more about that here. CelebritiesCarly Pearce, a Grammy-winning country artist from Kentucky, will sing the National Anthem on Derby Day. Rachel Platten will sing it before the Kentucky Oaks. Kentucky Derby FestivalAs usual, you can expect the Great Balloon Glow and Race, the miniMarathon, Pegasus Parade, Great Steamboat Race and of course, Thunder Over Louisville. April 22: Thunder Over Louisville April 27 - May 5: Fest-A-Ville (AKA, Chow Wagon)April 28-29: Great BalloonFestApril 29: miniMarathon and MarathonApril 30: Pegasus ParadeMay 3: Great Steamboat Race
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The countdown to the 2023 Kentucky Derby is on!
Here, we'll keep you updated on everything you need to know, from the basics to the big headlines.
The basics
The 149th running of the Kentucky Derby will be held at historic Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 6.
There are 20 spots to be filled by thoroughbred horses competing in the Run For the Roses.
You can keep an eye on the to see which horses are ahead on qualifying points.
As many as 150,000 people are expected to attend Derby.
Tickets
Planning your Derby already? Tickets are on sale for the Spring Meet including all of Derby week.
Ticket sales thus far suggest record crowds.
Derby Week schedule
- May 2 - 502'sDay
- May 3 - Champions Day
- May 4 - Thurby
- May 5 - Oaks
- May 6 - Derby
Traffic/parking
What's new this year
502'sDay
This year will feature the typical build-up to Derby Day with Thurby and Kentucky Oaks.
However, Champions Day, usually held on the Tuesday before Derby, is being moved to Wednesday to open Tuesday up for a brand new event called 502'sDay.
The new pre-Derby Day event will be geared more toward locals with a general admission of only $5. Churchill Downs says the best of Louisville will be on full display. You can read more about it here.
New "first turn" experience and construction
A $200 million construction project is underway to redesign the Paddock area, expected to be complete by next Derby. In the meantime, there will be a temporary Paddock area installed.
Hearst Owned
Temporary Paddock
You should not anticipate any restricted areas due to construction.
And the "First Turn Club" will be unveiled, which includes inclusive stadium seats.
The new structure will be replacing the former Vineyard Vines grandstand, as well as section 110, and will create more than 7,100 new reserved seats for premium ticket holders. To put that into perspective, the previous structure could only hold roughly 3,400 patrons.
There will also be a 100-foot canopy that extends out to cover all the seats. Read more here.
Renovated gift shop
A $30,000 renovation was completed in early February.
The first real work done to the shop since it opened in 2000, you'll see new floors, new lighting and more added space. You can read more about that here.
Celebrities
Carly Pearce, a Grammy-winning country artist from Kentucky, will sing the National Anthem on Derby Day. Rachel Platten will sing it before the Kentucky Oaks.
Kentucky Derby Festival
As usual, you can expect the Great Balloon Glow and Race, the miniMarathon, Pegasus Parade, Great Steamboat Race and of course, Thunder Over Louisville.
April 22: Thunder Over Louisville
April 27 - May 5: Fest-A-Ville (AKA, Chow Wagon)
April 28-29: Great BalloonFest
April 29: miniMarathon and Marathon
April 30: Pegasus Parade
May 3: Great Steamboat Race