2024 Kentucky Derby Ticket Prices Compared To Other Big Horse Races Around The World

With the 2024 Kentucky Derby this weekend the ticket prices to get into Churchill Downs are always a hot topic with costs ranging from $275 right up to $135,000 for a private suite. But just how do these ticket prices compare to some of the other big horse races around the world?

How Much Does a 2024 Kentucky Derby Ticket Cost?

As US horse racing fans gear up towards the first Triple Crown race on Saturday May 4, there is a lot to get excited about ahead of the 2024 edition of the Run For The Roses – including a new paddock experience and a 66% purse increase.

But, just how much does it cost to attend the Kentucky Derby these days?

We take a look at the various Churchill Downs admission options, the prices, plus how much a beer is trackside and also compare these Kentucky Derby costs to some of the other big racedays from around the world – including the Melbourne Cup, Grand National and the Breeders’ Cup.

On This Page You’ll Find

See below the most popular 2024 Kentucky Derby ticket options, their costs and also what you get for your dollar.

Note: There are also two day packages available that will cover admission for both the Kentucky Oaks (run on Friday May 3) and the Kentucky Derby (Saturday May 4). Plus – see below for a more detailed look at each area and enclosure and what is on offer.

Churchill Downs Seating Map

2024 Kentucky Derby Ticket and Prices Compared To Other Big Races

Next up we are going to see how the 2024 Kentucky Derby ticket prices compare to other big horse races in the US and around the world – including the Breeders’ Cup, Melbourne Cup and Epsom Derby.

Of course, there are many variables here in terms of the enclosures and different options available for each meeting.

Therefore, to keep things simple we are just going to compare the basic ‘General Admission’ costs for each, which will still give us a great idea where the 2024 Kentucky Derby sits in terms of ticket costs against some of the other star races in the horse racing calendar.

Plus, with some of the races in different countries, we’ll also convert the ticket costs into US dollars to make comparing easier.

Note: All ticket prices are taken from their official race sites and are for general admission in 2024. Plus, all exchange rates are subject to change.

Kentucky Derby General Admission Tickets Top The Other Big Worldwide Races

As you can see from the table above, the Kentucky Derby 2024 prices for just a General Admission ticket comes out furlongs ahead of the rest – with a pass to get into the infield at Churchill Down starting at $275.

This cost – unlike the rest of the Kentucky Derby tickets – also DOESN’T include any all-inclusive drinks and food deals, meaning racing fans will still have extra costs on top of this on the day.

The Breeders’ Cup 2024 General Admission ticket price starts at $67, which is a massive $208 less than the Kentucky Derby – you can compare all the other ticketing options between these two giant US races below.

However, it’s the Dubai World Cup that is the best value for General Admission punters. Of course, unless you live in the UAE there are big added costs in getting there. However, once you are in Dubai, the great news is you can watch the action live for as little as AED 20 – which is just over $5 – wow.

Kentucky Derby Ticket Price Compared To The Breeders’ Cup

The Breeders’ Cup Classic carries a purse of $7m, which compares to the lesser $5m that the Kentucky Derby horses will be aiming at.

However, despite this it’s the Kentucky Derby that commands the bigger interest, which is backed up by the higher ticket prices that US racing fans are clearly happy to pay to be part of the most-talked about horse race in America.

You can attend this year’s 2024 Breeder’s Cup at Del Mar for as little as $67, which compares to the $275 just for an infield General Admission ticket at the 105th running of the Kentucky Derby.

If you then go higher up the ticket food chain, you’ll see that even the cheapest box/suite at Churchill Down will set you back $135,000, in comparison to the $475 for a box at the Breeders’ Cup.

Of course, there are many different options and variables – depending on how deep your pockets are, but it’s still clear to see that the Kentucky Derby still towers over the second biggest race day in the US – the Breeders’ Cup – when it comes to ticket costs.

Kentucky Derby Ticket Price Compared To The Melbourne Cup

The Kentucky Derby is often billed as “ The Greatest Two Minutes In Sport”, while the Melbourne Cup has the tag of “The Race That Stops A Nation”.

But, which one is cheaper to go and watch?

Well, based on the 2024 ticket prices on their official sites, The Melbourne Cup is less expensive at $77 AUS for a basic General Admission ticket, which works out to about $48 US.

This is a variation of $227 US, while the price difference across the most expensive raceday packages – like reserved seating, boxes and dining also see the Kentucky Derby coming out streets ahead of its Down Under counterpart.

Kentucky Derby Ticket Price Compared To The Saudi Cup

The Saudi Cup, which is run each February, has the tag of being the richest horse race on the planet, with a purse of $20m US.

This is $15m more than the Kentucky Derby purse ($5m), but watching the race in Riyadh is fairly reasonable. Their general admission ticket is 199 SAR, which is approx $53 US.

Kentucky Derby Ticket Price Compared To The Epsom Derby

Another of the famous ‘Derby’ races – the Epsom version, which is also run for 3 year-olds only and staged about a month after the Kentucky Derby in early June, is next up.

The excellent thing about the Epsom Derby is that you can – if you want – attend the day for FREE. Yes, the middle of the track isn’t owned by the course, but is public/council land, so many racing fans rock up here with their deck chairs and picnics to watch the race from the middle of the course.

However, there is no access to the main grandstand, paddock or winners’ circle this way – with all that under a normal purchased ticket.

The cheapest on offer though is still just £30 for the Upper Tattenham – which is situated on the famous Tattenham Corner turn leading into the straight. But there is still no access to the main stand here. This works out at just $37 US.

Next best is the Lonsdale Enclosure at £47 (middle of the track), while a Grandstand Epsom Derby Day ticket will set you back £65 or $81 US – which is still way below the $275 you’ll need to attend its Derby counterpart at Kentucky.

Kentucky Derby Ticket Price Compared To The Grand National

The 2024 Grand National was won by the Willie Mullins-trained I Am Maximus, and Aintree racing fans were able to watch the JP McManus-owned 8 year-old storm home for as little as £35, which is about $43 US.

This works out at $232 less than if you wanted to attend the 2024 Kentucky Derby – which is their basic infield General Admission ticket.

Kentucky Derby Ticket Price Compared To Cheltenham Gold Cup Day

It wasn’t that long ago that a ticket on Cheltenham Gold Cup Day in the cheapest enclosure – the Best Mate – was between £15-20.
But, in recent years even the least expensive way to attend the Festival has shot up to £53 a day – which equates to around $66 US.

However, this is still way under the $275 that it costs to get basic ‘infield’ admission to the Kentucky Derby. There are also many dining packages on Gold Cup day up to £2k a person, but the cheapest on their site is the £580 to book your seat with the Moscow Flyer package.

Kentucky Derby Ticket Price Compared To The Dubai World Cup

Last, but not least is the Dubai World Cup, which is run at the end of March each year. The United Arab Emirates contest carries a stonking purse of $12m US, but the great news for horse racing fans is that it’s as cheap as chips to actually watch the race.

You can get a General Admission Dubai World Cup ticket for as little as AED20, which is just $5. It’s the parking that costs more at AED80 ($20), but the two lumped together still only worlds out at $25 US.

Yes, there are more expensive Dubai World Cup options that include dining and boxes, but even the next tickets up, which are called the Apron View, are just AED295, which is approx $80 US.

It’s just a case of forking out for your plane tickets and accommodation, but once in Dubai the great news is you can attend one of the richest horse races in the world on a budget.

Kentucky Derby 2024 Food & Beer Prices

The great news at the Kentucky Derby is that from 2021 the Churchill Downs track has introduced a heavy ‘All Inclusive’ food and drinks presence around the course.

Meaning most of the ticket options will include unlimited food and drink during the racedays – including the 2024 Kentucky Derby.

The thinking here being that racing fans can taste a wider variety of food and drink. Plus, Churchill Downs have also gone on record as saying this approach has helped cut down the queues with less cash and card transactions over the day – giving a much better all-round experience to the Derby racegoers.

The ‘General Admission’ tickets WON’T, however, qualify for any all-inclusive options, but food and drink concessions are available in these areas, with a beer will cost between $3-6.

Picnics and water/non-alcholic drinks and food are allowed to be brought into the track with the general admission ‘infield’ & ‘final turn infield’ tickets. These are allowed as long as they are in clear bottles or plastic bags – but unfortunately not alcohol. While there is a maximum size of 12x6x12 inches for the lunch bags.

$13 For A Beer at The 2024 Kentucky Derby

We’ve also managed to get hold of a 2024 Kentucky Derby beverage price list (see below). If you are not on an all-inclusive deal, then a ‘Domestic Beer’ will cost you $13, with a ‘Premium Beer’ a dollar more.

A glass of Jackson Family Wines will cost $18 by the glass, or a White Claw (Black Cherry / Peach) $14.

How Much Is The Traditional Kentucky Derby Mint Julep?

Kentucky Derby racing fans are also prone to a mint julep – which is the traditional tipple that’s been associated with the Triple Crown meeting. This will cost $22 and consists of 1 teaspoon of powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons of water, 2oz. of bourbon whiskey and 4 mint leaves.

What Is The Total Cost Of Attending The 2024 Kentucky Derby?

So, now we’ve got a better idea of the Churchill Downs ticket prices for the big Run For The Roses race – what will the total cost of a day to watch the Kentucky Derby 2024 schedule?

Of course, there will be many variables to this question, depending on how deep your pockets are and your viewing/eating preferences.

Therefore, we took the cheapest ticketing option on the table – the infield General Admission – and then added other outlays like parking, food, drink and travel.

It’s Likely You’ll Need $675 To Attend The Kentucky Derby 2024

See below an example of the main costs on your normal day out at the races. Now, of course, there could be many other things to add in here based on your circumstances like – are you buying a new outfit for the day, do you need to pay a babysitter or where are you traveling from?

However, by even using the cheapest ‘General Admission’ ticket option to attend the 2024 Kentucky Derby you are still looking at almost $700 a day.

Oh, this ticket also included the Kentucky Oaks, which is staged the day before on the Friday. Therefore, if you wanted to attend both days, then you are probably looking at double that outlay.

Take Your Own Food To Cut Costs (If You Haven’t Got An All-Inclusive Package)

Yes, unlike the most expensive tickets that include all-inclusive drinks and food (as per the table above) you will have to fend for yourself on this front. The good news is, you might not want an alcoholic drink, which will bring costs down. But you are allowed to bring in a 12x6x12 plastic lunch bag which will further help ease costs.

Travel will obviously depend on where you are coming from, so could rise (or decrease), while betting is another personal preference as not everyone that attends the races bets.

The good news, however, when it comes to betting – and in the example below we’ve allocated just $20 a race (x 14 for Kentucky Derby Day) is that some of these bets (if you’re lucky) might win.

Meaning, any winnings will help offset the bigger outlays detailed in the table below.

Note: This is just an example, with all costs an estimate and subject to change.

2024 Kentucky Derby Ticket and Seating Experiences

See below the various 2024 Kentucky Derby ticket options, with their categories and the benefits you get with each one.

General Admission

The cheapest way to attend the Kentucky Derby 2024 meeting. Buy single days for either Oaks or Derby or you can purchase a two-day package.

This will give you access to either the ‘infield’ or ‘final turn’ general admission areas (depending on which one you buy), plus access to the world’s largest 4K video board to watch the action on.

Bring your own chair, picnic and food too, which will ease cost, but any alcoholic drinks will have to be purchased from the on course concessions.

Infield General Admission: (From $275)

Infield ‘Final Turn’ General Admission: (From $275)

Frontside Plaza Walkaround: (From $693)

New Paddock

With a new Paddock at Churchill Downs these ticketing options are sure to be popular for 2024.

All-inclusive food and drink is on the table here, so at least once you’ve paid for your ticket it’s just a case of finding the cash for wagering.

Plaza Balcony & Loge: (From $1,775)

Spires Terrace & Suites:

Silks Balcony & Loge: (From $3,650)

Woodford Reserve Paddock Club & Enclosure:

Champions Balcony & Loge (From $1,775)

Club SI & Enclosure (From $7,500)

Turf Club Balcony & Terrace (From $3,525)

Reserved Seating

Designed for smaller parties, couples or individual racegoers that still want a bit of quality at the Kentucky Derby.

With parking, excellent track and paddock view, plus the all-important all-inclusive food and beverage options on the table for all reserved seating.

Clubhouse Box Seating (From $808)

Grandstand Box Seating (From $1,617)

First Turn Reserved Seating (From $1,495)

Grandstand Bleacher Seating (From $843)

Homestretch Club Reserved Seats (From $2,595)

Turf Bleachers (From $650)

Premium Dining

Variety is the spice of life and when it comes to ‘Premier Dining’ at the Kentucky Derby this saying is backed up ‘big-time’.

Explore the many options below, with each one slightly different – but they all, once again, offer the popular all-inclusive food and drink menus.

Aristides Lounge & Loft (From $1,375)

Champions Balcony & Loge (From $1,775)

Champions Bar & Gold Room (From $2,180)

Club SI & Enclosure (From $7,500)

Finish Line Suites Dining

First Turn Club Dining (From $2,745)

Homestretch Lounges & Terrace (From $4,155)

Jockey Club Suite Dining

Millionaires Row (From $5,375)

Plaza Balcony & Loge (From $1,775)

SAP Starting Gates Suite Dining

Silks Balcony & Loge (From $3,650)

Sky Terrace (From $3,870)

Stakes Room (From $7,997)

Starting Gate Suites Rooftop Garden

Sunny’s Halo at Grandstand Terrace

Triple Crown Balcony

Turf Club Balcony & Terrace (From $3,525)

Wicker Garden

Luxury Dining

If ‘Premium Dining’ sounds a bit downmarket for you, then you’re in luck as the next step up is ‘Luxury’, which does exactly what it says on the tin.

With an added layer of all-inclusive food and beverage luxury, plus a dedicated person on-hand to guide you through the day you can’t go wrong. Add in extra entertainment with some options, then it won’t just be the racing that puts a smile on your face.

Matt Winn’s Steakhouse (From $9,500)

The Mansion

Spire Terrace & Suites

Woodford Reserve Paddock Club Enclosure

Private Suites

Take in the Kentucky Derby in your own private suite. There are several options that will cater for more guests – with the maximum 80 (Turf Suites) and the minimum 18 (Winners’ Circle).

The good news is that they all offer all-inclusive food and beverage and perfect views of the racecourse.

Finish Line Suites (from $295,000)

Jockey Club Suites (From $135,000)

SAP Starting Gate Suites (From $152,500)

Turf Suites (From $275,000)

Winners’ Circle Suites

Kentucky Derby Ticket FAQs

What Date is the Kentucky Derby 2024?

This year’s race will be staged on Saturday May 4, with the post time 6:45pm ET.

Are The 2024 Kentucky Derby Tickets On Sale Now?

Yes, you can pick one of the many Kentucky Derby ticket options and purchase them via the official website here. However, being the race is not far away now, some areas may be sold out or nearing capacity.

How Much Is Parking At The 2024 Kentucky Derby?

Many of the Kentucky Derby ticket options come with on and off-site parking. However, if you don’t have parking the pricing is $40 for a car or truck, $150 for a RV and $200 for a bus.

Are Children Allowed To Attend the Kentucky Derby?

Yes, children are free in general admission areas, with each paying adult allowed to bring in up to four children (12 or younger). However, for reserved seating areas, children will need a purchased ticket.

What Are The Kentucky Derby Ticket Admissions Policies?

There are many rules and regulations on entering the track – which can be found at the main Kentucky Derby website. You are allowed to bring in water in a sealed clear bottle plus boxed lunches or food in clear plastic bags – sized 12x6x12 inches – if attending on the infield. With a limit of one bag per person.

Here is a list of the things NOT allowed:

• Air horns
• Alcoholic beverages
• Balloons and inflatables
• Balls
• Banners and/or signs, unless pre-approved
• Cameras with detachable lenses, or equipped with a lens that is 6” or larger
• Canopies
• Cans (any size or type)
• Collapsible Chairs
• Confetti
• Coolers
• Chains
• Drones and remote controlled aircraft
• Firearms
• Fireworks
• Food & Beverage
• Frisbees
• Glass Bottles or containers
• Grills
• Hoverboards, skateboards and scooters
• Illegal Substances
• Knives
• Laser lights/pointers
• Luggage
• Mace
• Noise Makers
• Pepper Spray
• Personal music players without head-phones
• Pets, except for trained service animals
• Poles or sticks of any size
• Portable speakers/sound systems
• Projectile Items
• Seat Cushions
• Selfie Sticks
• Tents
• Thermoses
• Tripods
• Umbrellas of any size
• Wagons
• Weapons of any kind
• Any items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate

Is There a Dress Code For The Kentucky Derby?

The quick answer here is that it depends what area you are in. However, the general rule is the track encourages people to ‘upscale’ their attire if you don’t want to look out of place. In general the ladies will wear a dress with many adding hats, while the men are in suits.

Will The Kentucky Derby Be Canceled If It Rains?

In short – you might get wet. However, the rain won’t impact the race, barring the conditions of the track getting sloppy. The race will go on regardless of the rain, but it’s always a good idea in terms of packing some waterproofs to check the weather forecast in the days before the race.

Can you bring your own food and drink?

Only on the infield, where you are allowed boxed lunches or food items in a clear plastic bag measuring 12x6x12. With one bag per guest. However, in the other main areas no food or drink is allowed, but the good news is that most ticket prices in these sections have all-inclusive food and drink options.

Is There WiFi Available At Churchill Downs?

No – there is no public WiFi on offer at the track on Derby and Oaks Day, with the sheer number of people the stumbling block.

Can You Buy a Kentucky Oaks & Derby Ticket Package?

Yes, some of the ticket prices will offer a package to gain admission to Churchill Downs for both the Friday Oaks Day and the Saturday Derby Day.

Can a Kentucky Derby Ticket Be Refunded or Exchanged?

Tickets are non-refundable. However, you can exchange them via a resale agency if you are able to find a buyer. See here.