How to enjoy the 150th Kentucky Derby: Everything you need to know before race day

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“The greatest two minutes in sports” is about to celebrate its sesquicentennial.

The 150th Kentucky Derby is upon us. The annual Run for the Roses will, as usual, draw eyes from around the world to witness which horse will etch its name into history alongside the greats. For more than a century now, the Derby has built an impenetrable brand of style and culture, made up of pastels, mint juleps and pure Kentucky essence.

Celebrities, athletes, politicians and more will descend upon the iconic Churchill Downs this weekend in Louisville, with the racetrack promising the immersive experience will be a “monumental celebration” of the tradition and history of the longest-running continuous sporting event in the United States.

With an event so massive, you’ll probably have plenty of questions, ranging from when and where to watch, to available parking, to which A-listers are partaking in the event’s biggest traditions.

Derby Day logistics

Here’s everything you need to know for Derby Day, no matter where you may be watching:

IF YOU GO TO THE DOWNS

General admission: Limited infield ticketing remains for as low as $130. Reserved grandstand and bleacher seating are available at higher prices at Ticketmaster.com.

Parking lots open: 8 a.m.

Gates open: 9 a.m.

First post time: 10:30 a.m.

Derby post time: 6:57 p.m. (12th race)

Weather forecast: Cloudy throughout the day with highs reaching the upper 70s. There is a slight chance of rain showers, both early in the morning and around Derby post time.

Parking: Parking for Derby Day is no longer available for purchase. If your ticket includes reserved parking, verify your designated lot on your onsite parking pass. If your ticket does not include reserved parking, you have two options: Park at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium ($40 for cars and trucks) and walk to Churchill Downs or park in one of the neighborhoods near the track.

What you can bring: Visitors entering through the infield gate are allowed to bring in bottled water — limit of two 24-ounce unopened plastic bottles per person. Please note that each guest is permitted one bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. Due to the forecast, make sure to bring a poncho and sunscreen. Banned items of note include coolers, backpacks, umbrellas, alcoholic beverages and cans of any size or type, portable speakers, tents, selfie sticks, thermoses and pets (except trained service animals). Visit KentuckyDerby.com to view a complete list of items that are permitted or banned.

The crowd: The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, and the newly unveiled $200 million paddock renovation, should indicate a massive crowd for this year’s historic event. Last year, 150,335 showed up to account for the largest Derby crowd since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Churchill Downs reported an “unprecedented demand” for tickets this year, and remaining ticket prices reflect that.

The national anthem: Five-time Grammy award-winner Wynonna Judd, a native of Ashland, Kentucky, will perform the national anthem at this year’s 150th Run for the Roses shortly after 5 p.m. Lifestyle and culinary superstar Martha Stewart will issue the iconic “Riders Up” call for Kentucky Derby jockeys to mount their horses.

Broadcast coverage

TV: WLEX-18 (8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); USA Network (noon-2:20 p.m.), NBC (2:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.), Telemundo Deportes on Universo (beginning at 6:30 p.m.). The final race of the day will be broadcast on FanDuel TV at 7:30 p.m.

Streaming: Peacock, the NBC Sports app (live coverage for subscribers) and the Telemundo app (beginning at 6:30 p.m.)

Radio: Audio coverage available on Sirius XM Channel 85 beginning at 10 a.m.

FanDuel TV: Coverage throughout the day.

Online coverage

X: Follow our main Herald-Leader accounts: @HeraldLeader and @KentuckySports. Additionally, follow our entire reporting team: John Clay (@johnclayiv), Jon Hale (@JonHale_HL), Mark Story (@markcstory), Cameron Drummond (@cdrummond97), Caroline Makauskas (@cmakauskas), Monica Kast (@monica_kast), Andrew Henderson (@andrwfhenderson), Silas Walker (@sigh_las) and Ryan Hermens (@ryanhermens).

Facebook: Kentucky.com and KentuckySports.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/kentuckycom

NBC Sports: Live stream available at nbcsports.com/live in addition to the Peacock app.

Local wagering locations

KEENELAND

4201 Versailles Road, Lexington

General admission: $7 in advance, $10 race day, free for ages 12 and under when accompanied by an adult. Walk-ups on Derby Day are permitted.

Drive-through opens: 7:30 a.m.

Gates open: 10 a.m.

Grandstand mutuel windows open: 10 a.m.

Activities: Live music, food, drink specials, children’s activities including pony rides, as well as tailgating, food and Derby viewing on The Hill.

Information: (859) 254-3412; www.keeneland.com

RED MILE

1200 Red Mile Road, Lexington

Admission: Tickets are sold out for this event, though walk-ins on Derby Day are welcome. Walk-in entry is not guaranteed, but Red Mile will do its best to accommodate. Tickets were available per table, as opposed to per person, and were sold for $100 for a table for two, $200 for a table for four, $300 for a table for six and $400 for a table for eight.

Clubhouse doors open: 10:30 a.m.

Buffet opens: 11:30 a.m.

Information: (859) 255-0752; RedMileKy.com

ONLINE BETTING

All three of these services are similar, so personal taste and comfort level with the various features will probably be the biggest factor when deciding which to use:

▪ TwinSpires, the “official online wagering home of the Kentucky Derby,” is accessible at Twinspires.com on your computer or searching for TwinSpires in the app store on your smartphone. Sign-up required.

▪ FanDuel Sportsbook is another online and app option for betting on the Derby. Sign up at FanDuel.com or search for FanDuel in the app store.

▪ Keeneland Select, “an affiliate of Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company” as well as an affiliate of the local Lexington racetrack, also allows wagering on the Derby and other races around the globe via website or app. Sign up at Keeneland.com/select or search for Keeneland Select in the app store.