The 152nd Kentucky Derby returns to Churchill Downs on May 2, 2026. Tickets are on sale right now. You can find options for every budget from $138 general admission to luxury suites over $6,000.
Most people pay around $3,023 for Derby tickets. The best deal is the Run for the Roses Package at $268. This package gets you into all six Derby Week events.
This guide covers every seating section and explains what you get at each price point. You’ll learn where to buy safely and find insider tips to get the perfect Derby tickets.
Kentucky Derby 2026 at a glance:
Event: 152nd Kentucky Derby
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: Approximately 6:57 PM ET
Kentucky Oaks: Friday, May 1, 2026
Venue: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
Ticket Range: $138 to $6,000+
Average Price: $3,023
Best Value: Run for the Roses Package at $268
How Much Are Kentucky Derby 2026 Tickets?
Kentucky Derby ticket prices vary based on your seat location and what comes with your ticket. The 152nd Run for the Roses offers choices for everyone from budget fans to luxury seekers.
Most Kentucky Derby tickets sell as 2-day packages. These include both Friday’s Kentucky Oaks and Saturday’s Kentucky Derby. Many packages feature all-inclusive food and drinks.
| Seating Type | Price Range | View Quality | Food & Drinks Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GA Infield | $138-$268 | No track view | No | Budget/Party |
| Grandstand Reserved | $600-$1,000 | Good track views | Yes | First-timers |
| Ford First Turn | $800-$1,200 | Starting gate | Yes | Start enthusiasts |
| Plaza Balcony | $900-$1,400 | Mid-stretch, covered | Yes | Weather protection |
| Dining Rooms | $1,800-$2,500 | Excellent | Yes – Gourmet | Comfort seekers |
| Homestretch Club | $2,000-$2,800 | Finish line | Yes – Premium | Racing purists |
| Turf Club | $2,200-$3,200 | Premium balcony | Yes – VIP | Networking |
| Millionaires Row | $3,500-$6,000+ | Trackside premium | Yes – Five-star | Ultimate luxury |
| Private Suites | $4,000-$8,000+ | Customizable | Yes – Dedicated chef | Corporate groups |
View Kentucky Derby Ticket prices on StubHub
Budget Options: $138-$500
General Admission Infield starts at $138 for single day access. You get into the massive infield area with the world’s largest 4K video board and live entertainment. Food and drinks cost extra.
The catch is simple. You cannot see the horses race. The infield rail blocks your view of the track completely. You watch the race on the giant video screen.
Run for the Roses Package costs $268 total. You get general admission to all six Derby Week events. That breaks down to just $45 per event.
Mid-Range Options: $500-$1,500
Grandstand Reserved Seating runs $600 to $1,000 for 2-day packages. You get assigned stadium seats with direct track views. Most sections include all-inclusive food and drinks.
Ford First Turn Reserved costs $800 to $1,200. These seats give you views of the starting gate and first turn. You see all 20 horses explode from the gate right in front of you.
Plaza Balcony & Loge prices range from $900 to $1,400. These sections offer mid-stretch views with covered seating.
Premium Options: $1,500-$3,500
Dining Rooms cost $1,800 to $2,500 per person. You get reserved table seating in climate-controlled rooms with gourmet buffets and premium open bars.
Homestretch Club runs $2,000 to $2,800. These seats put you along the homestretch where the final drive happens.
Turf Club tickets cost $2,200 to $3,200. Members and guests enjoy private lounges, balcony seating and VIP amenities.
Luxury Options: $3,500+
Millionaires Row starts at $3,500 and goes over $6,000 per person. This is the most exclusive trackside seating at Churchill Downs. You get five-star dining, top-shelf unlimited bar, white-glove service and valet parking.
Private Suites range from $4,000 to $8,000+ per person. Groups need at least 24 people. Suites include dedicated catering staff, in-suite betting and trackside access.
Kentucky Derby 2026 General Admission Tickets
General admission infield tickets start at $138. This makes them the cheapest way to attend Derby Day.
The Kentucky Derby infield is part music festival and part tailgate party. Over 40,000 people pack the infield creating an electric atmosphere.
You will not see the horses race. The infield rail blocks every view of the track. You watch on the video screen like at a sports bar.
The Run for the Roses Package makes more sense for budget buyers. Spend $268 instead of $138 and get six full days of racing. The weekday events have smaller crowds.
General admission works for first-timers on tight budgets who value the experience over watching horses. Skip it if you actually want to see the race.
Kentucky Derby Grandstand & Reserved Seating
Grandstand reserved seating puts you where you actually watch horses race. These sections offer assigned stadium seats with clear track views.
You get an actual seat with a backrest. The elevated position gives you track views throughout the race. Most grandstand sections include all-inclusive food and drinks.
Ford First Turn Reserved seats cost $800 to $1,200 for 2-day packages. You see the starting gate and watch 20 horses charge out at once.
Plaza Balcony & Loge runs $900 to $1,400. These covered seats protect you from weather.
Starting Gate Courtyard costs $700 to $1,100. These outdoor sections put you right at the starting gate. Great for photos.
Kentucky Derby 2026 Seating Chart & Capacity
Churchill Downs holds approximately 150,000 fans on Derby Day. The venue splits into three main areas: the Infield, Grandstand and Clubhouse sections.
The Infield accommodates over 80,000 general admission guests. This massive area features the 4K video board and festival atmosphere. You cannot see the track from the infield.
The Grandstand wraps around the track's exterior from the first turn to the finish line. Popular sections include Ford First Turn, Plaza Balcony and Starting Gate Courtyard.
The Clubhouse sits on the stretch run side with premium views. Sections include Turf Club, dining rooms and Millionaires Row.
Private suites sit above both grandstand and clubhouse levels. Winner's Circle Suites, Finish Line Suites and Starting Gate Suites offer elevated views with luxury amenities.
Kentucky Derby and Oaks Tickets
Most reserved seating sells only as 2-day packages. You get the same seat for both Kentucky Oaks on Friday and Kentucky Derby on Saturday.
The 2-day package is the better deal. Single-day tickets cost 60 to 70 percent of the 2-day price when available.
The Kentucky Oaks is championship racing for 3-year-old fillies with a $1.25 million purse. Many locals prefer Oaks to Derby. The crowd is smaller at 130,000 versus 150,000 on Derby Day.
Single-day tickets exist only for general admission and very limited sections. Most good seats require 2-day packages.
Best Kentucky Derby 2026 Ticket Packages
Full packages bundle your tickets with hotels, transportation and experiences.
Derby Experiences
Derby Experiences is the official Churchill Downs partner for premium packages. Clubhouse packages start at $1,500 to $2,500 per person. Grandstand packages run $1,200 to $1,800.
Sports Traveler Packages
Sports Traveler packages start at $2,345 per person. You get 3-night hotel stays, Derby and Oaks tickets, round-trip transportation, horse farm tour and bourbon distillery visit.
Bucket List Events
Bucket List Events offers flexible packages with multiple hotel choices. Standard packages include 3-night stays and race day transportation. Hotel options range from budget Holiday Inn Express to luxury Galt House Hotel.
| Package Provider | Starting Price | Hotel Included | Transportation | Ticket Type | Extra Experiences | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Derby Experiences | $1,500+ | Optional | No | Premium reserved | VIP parties, tours | Luxury seekers |
| Sports Traveler | $2,345 | Yes (3 nights) | Yes | Choice of sections | Horse farms, bourbon tours | Complete experience |
| Bucket List Events | Varies | Yes (3 nights) | Yes | Multiple options | Optional add-ons | Flexible budgets |
| Run for the Roses | $268 | No | No | GA only | None | Budget/Week-long |
Run for the Roses Package
The Run for the Roses Package costs $268 for general admission to all six Derby Week events. You arrange your own hotel and transportation.
Kentucky Derby Millionaires Row Tickets & Luxury Seating
Millionaires Row represents the most exclusive trackside seating at Churchill Downs. Tickets cost $3,500 to $6,000+ per person for 2-day packages.
You get five-star gourmet dining with multi-course meals. The premium bar serves unlimited top-shelf spirits including rare bourbons. The dress code is formal and enforced.
Private suites cost $4,000 to $8,000+ per person. Groups need at least 24 guests. Winner's Circle Suites start at $5,000 with direct access to post-race ceremonies.
Where to Buy Kentucky Derby 2026 Tickets
Only buy from official and verified sources with buyer protection.
Official Sources
Ticketmaster is the official Churchill Downs ticketing partner. They sell face value tickets with the complete inventory.
Churchill Downs Direct takes calls at 502-636-4447 Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM ET. Email sales@kyderby.com for inquiries.
Derby Experiences is the only authorized third-party for premium packages.
Verified Secondary Markets
StubHub provides FanProtect Guarantee. You get valid tickets or your money back. Prices may be above or below face value based on demand.
Vivid Seats and SeatGeek also offer buyer guarantees and wide selections.
Ticket Release Schedule
- Phase 1 runs now through February 2026. Most 2-day packages are available now through Ticketmaster.
- Phase 2 happens in early February 2026. Derby Week single-day tickets get released.
- Phase 3 occurs in March and April 2026. Final inventory and returned tickets become available.
Avoid Ticket Scams
Only buy from Ticketmaster, Churchill Downs at 502-636-4447, Derby Experiences or verified resellers like StubHub.
Never buy from individuals on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, street scalpers or unverified websites. Never pay with wire transfer, cash or cryptocurrency.
Kentucky Derby Week Events
The Kentucky Derby is a week-long celebration. Derby Week features six days of racing from April 25 through May 2.
| Date | Event | Time | Highlights | Ticket Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Apr 25 | Opening Night | Evening | Post position draw, Night racing | Separate or $268 package |
| Mon, Apr 28 | 502's Day | Afternoon | Louisville community celebration | Separate or $268 package |
| Tue, Apr 29 | Winsday | Daytime | Supporting nonprofits | Separate or $268 package |
| Wed, Apr 30 | Thurby | Full day | Local favorite, Great racing | Separate or $268 package |
| Fri, May 1 | Kentucky Oaks | Full day | Fillies championship, 130,000 crowd | 2-day package or separate |
| Sat, May 2 | Kentucky Derby | Full day | 152nd Run for the Roses, 150,000+ crowd | 2-day package or separate |
Run for the Roses Package costs $268 for all 6 events. That breaks down to $45 per day.
Thurby on Wednesday April 30 is often called the locals' favorite day. You get championship racing with half the Derby Day crowd.
Kentucky Oaks on Friday May 1 is the premier race for 3-year-old fillies. About 130,000 people attend. Pink dominates fashion with the Lillies for the Fillies theme.
Kentucky Derby on Saturday May 2 is the main event. The 152nd Run for the Roses features a $2 million purse. The Derby runs around 6:57 PM ET.
Kentucky Derby Tickets FAQ
How much are Kentucky Derby 2026 tickets?
Kentucky Derby tickets range from $138 for general admission infield to over $6,000 for luxury suites. The average ticket costs $3,023. Grandstand reserved seating runs $600 to $1,000 for 2-day packages. The Run for the Roses Package costs $268 for all six Derby Week events.
When do Kentucky Derby 2026 tickets go on sale?
Kentucky Derby 2-day packages are available now through Ticketmaster and Churchill Downs at 502-636-4447. Derby Week single-day tickets go on sale in early February 2026. Tickets release in three phases with best selection available now.
What are the cheapest Kentucky Derby tickets?
General admission infield tickets start at $138 for single-day access. The Run for the Roses Package at $268 offers better value with admission to all six Derby Week events at $45 per day.
Can I see the race from general admission seats?
No. General admission infield tickets provide zero view of the actual horse race. The infield rail blocks all track views. You watch the race on the 4K video board. Buy reserved seating to actually see horses race.
Where should I sit for my first Kentucky Derby?
First-timers should choose Ford First Turn at $800 to $1,200 or Plaza sections at $900 to $1,400. These offer great track views and all-inclusive food and drinks at reasonable prices. You see the actual race while enjoying full hospitality.
What time does the Kentucky Derby start in 2026?
The 152nd Kentucky Derby runs at approximately 6:57 PM ET on Saturday May 2, 2026. Churchill Downs gates open around 8 AM with 13 other races throughout the day before the Derby.
Are Kentucky Derby tickets refundable?
No. The Kentucky Derby is a rain-or-shine event. Tickets are non-refundable regardless of weather. The race happens in any weather conditions. Plan for all possibilities and consider covered seating for weather protection.
Where can I buy Kentucky Derby tickets safely?
Buy from Ticketmaster, Churchill Downs at 502-636-4447, Derby Experiences or verified resellers like StubHub with FanProtect Guarantee. Never buy from individuals on Craigslist, street scalpers or unverified websites. Only use platforms with buyer protection.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to ticket marketplaces. We may earn a small commission at no cost to you. We only recommend verified sellers including Ticketmaster, StubHub and Derby Experiences. All pricing information is accurate as of January 30, 2026.
