Kentucky Derby tickets 2023: Prices, ticket packages, how to buy

If you haven't started planning for the 2023 Kentucky Derby, you might want to get on it ... now.

As Churchill Downs prepares for the fastest two minutes in sports, tickets are selling quickly. Still, it is possible to snag a ticket this year — if you're willing to splurge. Here's some essential information about the 149th Run for the Roses:

How to get Kentucky Derby tickets

Your best bet to find Kentucky Derby tickets is at kentuckyderby.com/tickets. On this website, you can find tickets for various sections as well as different experiences.

Those interested in attending Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks can also visit Derby Experiences to see a variety of packages combining Derby and Oaks seats with access to exclusive lounges, hotel and transportation accommodations and more. As of late January, package prices range from $1,261 to $7,369 per person.

Where can I sit at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby?

If you do end up lucky enough to snag some tickets this year, here's a run-down on the types of seating:

Grandstand seats: The backless bleacher-style seating on the first and second levels of Churchill Downs comes with a view of the finishing stretch. Tickets are available in this section on the Derby's resale website starting at a little over $600 in late January.

There are also stadium-style grandstand seats on the second floor of the facility, overlooking the turf and dirt tracks. A resale ticket for this section was starting around $920.

Box seats: Boxes contain six seats each and are located on the first and third levels. Higher up seats are generally more costly, with some resale tickets priced at more than $3,000 in late January.

Infield reserved seats: Seating for the infield is in a set of temporary structures that expand the perimeter of reserved seating opportunities. This uncovered bleacher seating includes a view of the final stretch of the Kentucky Derby race with access to betting windows, restrooms, the front side of the track and Paddock areas. Includes food, nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages.

Infield bleacher resale tickets start in the mid-$700s, as of late January.

All tickets with a reserved seat are all-inclusive, whether you choose box or bleacher. They include food and beverages to cut down on lines and limit cash exchanges. General admission infield tickets are not all-inclusive.

Are there any new seating options for the 2023 Kentucky Derby?

The First Turn Reserved Seating (replacing the Vineyard Vines Club and Section 110) will make its Kentucky Derby debut in 2023. These covered, grandstand-style seats, $1,261 each, feature padded seating, views of the Kentucky Derby walkover and access to dedicated food, drink and restroom amenities.

Most resale tickets for this new seating section were around $1,400, as of late January.

What is the 'all-inclusive' ticket for the 2023 Kentucky Derby?

All reserved seats at the Kentucky Derby and Kentuck Oaks include all-inclusive food, nonalcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverages. This change, implemented in 2021, is intended to reduce the amount of time spent in line, eliminating the need for cash transactions for food and beverages and providing the opportunity to try a greater variety of food.

Churchill Downs is selling all-inclusive tickets for reserved infield bleacher seats, grandstand seats and box seats. Ticket prices vary based on section and row. Go to kentuckyderby.com/tickets to learn more.

How much are reserved infield seats for the 2023 Kentucky Derby?

There aren't many reserved infield seats left for the 2023 Kentucky Derby, so if you want one, you better act quickly. Tickets for the section range from the mid $700s to $1,200 each, according to the Derby's resale website as of late January. 

This uncovered seating includes views of the final stretch of the Kentucky Derby race with access to betting windows and restrooms. Includes food, nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages.

This location allows access to the Paddock and frontside of the track.

How can I buy general admission infield tickets for the 2023 Kentucky Derby?

To buy general admission infield tickets for the 2023 Kentucky Derby, go to kentuckyderby.com/tickets and click on the "Seating Experiences" tab. From there, click on the "General Admission" section.

These tickets include admission to the infield but no seating nor access to the Paddock area or front-side seating areas. It also is not inclusive of food and drinks.

As of late January, general admission tickets for the infield are still available at face value. If you buy your tickets by April 17, general admission tickets start at $57 and $77 for a single-day entry to Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby, respectively.

Prices increase as the event gets closer. On the day of the races, the general admission cost jumps to $67 and $87 for Oaks and Derby, respectively. 

Want two days of fun? Booking a two-day ticket to Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby won't help your overall bottom line, but it does decrease the cost per day. The bundle ticket is $110 through February, $120 from March through April 17 and $135 until the day before the Kentucky Oaks.

Will additional tickets for the 2023 Kentucky Derby be sold?

Notification of the availability of additional tickets to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks will be made via email and social media. Fans are encouraged to subscribe to the Kentucky Derby’s email distribution list online at kentuckyderby.com/tickets/newsletter-signup and follow @KentuckyDerby on social media to stay updated if or when there are changes to ticket availability.

What other days can I see racing at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week?

Churchill Downs ticket options are available for other Kentucky Derby Week events including Opening Night on April 29; Dawn at the Downs on April 27-May 3, Champions Day presented by TwinSpires on May 3 and Thurby presented by Old Forester on May 4.

The Kentucky Oaks is run on Friday, May 5 and this year, the Kentucky Derby is held on Saturday, May 6.

In addition to Kentucky Derby Week, tickets are on sale for the entire 2023 Spring Meet, which covers numerous dates from April 29 through July 3. 

Reach reporter Matt Glowicki at [email protected].