Mike Tirico talks "energy" of Kentucky Derby returning to full fan capacity

Mike Tirico, Eddie Olczyk and Larry Collmus discuss the return to full stadiums at sports events. This Saturday's Kentucky Derby is expected to be full. The 2020 edition was held in the fall with no fans, the 2021 edition had a 60 percent attendance cap on reserved seating and a 30 percent cap in infield.

There were over 50,000 people at the 21st edition of Oaks Day. The event is a once-a-year experience for Randy Moss, Jerry Bailey and others. They are surrounded by fans. They have fans 10 feet below them. It's additive to the energy of the day to have the constant buzz of fans right around you.

Mike Tirico and Stan Olczyk talk about the importance of the Kentucky Derby returning to full capacity. NBC's five-hour Kentucky derby coverage will begin on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Eastern on NBC and Peacock. USA will broadcast additional races on Friday at 1 p.,m., and Saturday, at noon Eastern.

The adrenaline of being in the betting crowd is something that hopefully comes across the air. The interaction of going with the fans and with bettors is even more engaging than when he gets on the camera. Lindsay Schanzer doesn't want him on air, so he goes ahead and gets the tickets.