The 2013 Kentucky Derby will be here before you know it, and this means that it is time to buy tickets. Despite the fact that Churchill Downs has added more seating this year, there is always a scramble to get tickets to the Kentucky Derby due to its popularity. Unlike past years, it has been projected that this fervor to get tickets will only increase as the new Kentucky Derby Prep Race Season points system becomes more trendy. In order to ensure that you can attend the race in person, six ways to buy 2013 Kentucky Derby tickets online and offline are listed.
Can you buy tickets from Churchill Downs?
Naturally, you can buy your tickets from Churchill Downs directly, and there are several ways to do this. One way is to put yourself on a waiting list for exclusive tickets for seating with celebrities. Another is to look through the dwindling options they have for lower-ranking seats after their tickets go on sale in mid-November. What most people do not know is that ticket sellers will buy tickets from Churchill Downs in bulk. For this reason, you will see hotels, websites, and ticket sellers claiming to have plenty of Kentucky Derby tickets for you to buy from them.
The Kentucky Derby tourist experience
While locals may only need a good deal on tickets to watch the Kentucky Derby, tourists are also looking for a place to stay. Appealing to this need, DerbyDeals.com is addressing horse racing tourists with a variety of options for a discounted package deal on Kentucky Derby tickets, hotels, and more. In particular, DerbyDeals.com has a focus on high-end lodgings and activities such as attending celebrity-filled exclusive luxury parties. They also currently have a larger quantities of tickets to Millionaires Row, the Turf Club and the Jockey Club in addition to their tourism-focused Kentucky Derby ticket packages.
When you search online for Kentucky Derby tickets, you soon see that there are over 20 promising options for ticket sellers. Nevertheless, once you click on the links, you soon see that websites like Stubhub.com may only have tickets to the Infield because better seating is sold out. Since the Infield is not a place where you can easily see the race, you will need to get into an actual seating area to make the experience worth your while.
Another option where you can find tickets in areas besides the Infield is GoTickets or RazorGator. These two websites usually have a variety of seating that cost upwards of $4000. Of course, four grand is a pretty penny and anyone would be hesitant about spending that kind of money at a website that they are not familiar with. However, GoTickets.com gives you the feeling of safety because they make a point of listing their BBB Accredited Business affiliation.
Look online for giveaways and website exclusive discounts
Have you heard that there is a waiting list for Kentucky Derby tickets? This is a well-known standard and some people will wait years to get theirs. Sadly, sometimes when their wishes are finally granted, they are not able to attend. In many cases, recipients of expensive Kentucky Derby tickets will donate them to charity. Because of this, it is not uncommon for people to attend the Kentucky Derby with tickets that they won as a prize.
Finally, one unique way that people are getting Kentucky Derby tickets for cheap is through advertising on horse racing related websites. Behind the scenes, website owners create deals with ticket sellers and pass the discounts on to the person that clicks on their ads. For example, if you see an offer for $20 off $200 for Kentucky Derby tickets on a website, this is an exclusive deal that you get to take part in for visiting the website.
Have you seen Kentucky Derby tickets offered on Craigslist? On occasion, a person will find out that they cannot attend this event as intended and they want to sell them to someone else. Although some people do have good intentions, it is also a good way to get scammed. The problem is that there is no way to verify that the tickets are real. One additional problem is that you cannot verify the purchase.
The only acceptable way to buy or sell 2013 Kentucky Derby tickets is to use a third-party to conduct the transaction. When in doubt, you can always check with your credit card company before you make a larger purchase for Kentucky Derby tickets online. In most cases, if you are the victim of fraud, you will be able to recoup your losses from a scam website if you use a major credit card. Either way, if you get scammed, you can still go to the Kentucky Derby with one final option.
Pay cash for the cheapest tickets to the Kentucky Derby
Anyone that says 2013 Kentucky Derby tickets are next to impossible to get is entirely wrong. Everyone in Louisville, Kentucky knows that, when all else fails with getting a ticket to the Grandstand, you can always get a ticket to the Infield. Sure, it is muddy, but it is a unique party that can be yours for less than $75. You do not need to order these tickets in advance or online and you still get access to food, Mint Juleps, bathrooms, and gambling. Instead, you can wait in line outside of Churchill Downs a few hours before the race with cash in your hand and expect a ticket.
Maryam Louise is a longtime resident of the Bluegrass State and has lived in the shadows of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky over the past two decades. Currently, she writes for KentuckyDerby.org and the Horse Racing Examiner. For writing inspiration, she relies on her friends in the multiple facets of the equine industry.
