The 2021 Kentucky Derby will return to some normalcy this year after a bizarre Triple Crown season last year. The 2020 Kentucky Derby was held without fans in attendance and took place in September, marking the first time since World War II that it wasn’t in its traditional May slot. And if that wasn’t enough, the Belmont was actually the first leg of the Triple Crown last year. But thankfully, the 2021 Kentucky Derby will look a lot more like what we’re used to, and here are some things you should know about this year’s race.
Start Time
NBC will start their live coverage of the 2021 Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 1 at 12:30 p.m. ET and end at 7 p.m. ET. The most exciting two minutes in sports is set to go off at 6:44 p.m. ET. The start time is often delayed slightly due to pre-race antics, but expect the gates to open no sooner than that.
Fans
The 2021 Kentucky Derby will have a limited number of fans, but at least it won’t be the empty grandstands like last year. The official website has stated that 40-50 percent of reserved seating will be allowed and 15,000 infield tickets will be sold. But the number of tickets sold is subject to change depending on whether Covid-19 has improved or worsened in the area.
Covid Protocols
The 2021 Kentucky Derby will have covid protocols in place to ensure everyone’s health and safety. Regardless of someone’s vaccination status, everyone attending must wear a protective face mask. In addition to the limited fan capacity to help with social distancing, markers will be placed to guide fans where to stand in lines. There will also be plenty of hand washing and sanitizing stations in place around Churchill Downs.
Ticket Cost
Tickets for the 2021 Kentucky Derby can be bought through the official site or on resale websites. You can also buy a two-day pass if you want to attend the Kentucky Oaks on Friday before the Derby, and the prices for both will vary greatly depending on where you want to sit at Churchill Downs.
If you are looking for the cheapest tickets, General Admission Infield tickets are the best option for you. The price of a GA infield ticket is $60-$135. The infield is standing room only and has more of a lively, social scene.
Reserved seating tickets have a higher and wider price range as they are sold in two-day packages. They include infield box seats, first turn seats, grandstand seats, box seats and dining hospitality seats. Infield box seats are uncovered with a view of the final stretch. You must purchase the whole six-seat box, and these are sold at $775 per seat. First-turn seats do not have chair backs but have a great view of the track. These tickets cost $600 each and also are sold in groups of six. Grandstand seats range from $525-$1,750 depending on whether they’re stadium-style seats or bleacher-style seats. Clubhouse box seating tickets range from $2,000-$3,550. There are also three outdoor dining hospitality options: The Courtyard, Starting Gate Roof Garden, and Plaza Balcony. These tickets range from $1,440-$2,500 and come with benefits such as an open bar, food service, and a panoramic view of the track.
How to Bet
If you are looking to make a little bit of money, there are multiple ways to place a wager on the 2021 Kentucky Derby. At Churchill Downs, there are over 1,000 betting windows you can visit to place a bet. Once you know what you want to bet on, there are five things you must tell the betting window teller. State the track name, race number, amount of wager, type of wager, and the horse’s number. Remember to cash in the ticket at Churchill Downs after the race as the ticket is only valid there.
Another way to place a bet is via mobile or online. With this option, you can beat the lines of the betting windows and won’t have to go back to cash in. There are different sportsbooks you can choose from to bet online. TwinSpires.com is the official Kentucky Derby betting site and even has promotions you can take advantage of when you sign up. It is recommended that you set up and fund an account prior to Derby Day so that you are ready to go.
Food and Drink
The food and drink menu is very extensive and will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Even during Covid-19, most of the policies regarding food and drink will remain the same as in previous years. Churchill Downs has expanded its food and drink areas through renovations and will provide maps to help guests locate concessions. In addition to food service and bar areas, vendors will be available to serve food and drink at your reserved seating.
One change this year is that reserved seating tickets will be all-inclusive, meaning that food and drink will be provided with your ticket. The new policy improves the guest experience and is Covid friendly by cutting down the time waiting in line and reducing the number of cash transactions.
Dress Code
There is no official dress code for the 2021 Kentucky Derby. However, if you want to fit in with the crowd, you will have to dress sharp. Jackets, blazers, sweaters, vests, dress pants/shorts, slacks, shirts with collars, dresses, pantsuits, and capri pants are all appropriate to wear. Cargo shorts, athletic wear, torn denim, halter tops, and crop tops are all considered inappropriate to wear wherever you are in Churchill Downs.
Photo Credit: Google Creative Common Licenses, Louisville Tourism Twitter, Darren Rovell Twitter, Lelands Auction Twitter
