Churchill Downs Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common Churchill Downs visitor questions.
Where are the restrooms at Churchill Downs?
Churchill Downs has restrooms throughout the Grandstand (1st and 2nd floor), Clubhouse (1st and 2nd floor), Turn One Club (Sections 1003-1011, 2005-2009), Homestretch Club (Section 01), Jockey Club Suites (5th and 6th floor), and Infield (portable facilities on Oaks/Derby days).
Family restrooms with baby changing stations are in the Grandstand 1st floor (near Paddock Gate), Grandstand 2nd floor (near Section 320), Clubhouse 1st floor (near First Aid), Clubhouse 2nd floor (near elevators), and Jockey Club Suites 5th floor. All restrooms are ADA accessible with Braille signage. See our
interactive restroom map for exact locations.
Are there nursing rooms at Churchill Downs?
Yes. Five designated nursing room locations: Grandstand 2nd floor (next to Section 320 double doors), Clubhouse 2nd floor (inside ladies restroom near elevators), Clubhouse 1st floor (next to First Aid), Jockey Club Suites 5th floor (near east-end restrooms), and Infield First Aid trailer (Oaks and Derby days only). Breast pumps and supplies are allowed through all gates.
Where should I park at Churchill Downs?
On regular race days, rideshare drops at the Barbaro auto-court (east side). During Derby Week: Off-site parking at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium ($40/car, $150/RV). ADA parking at lots W1-W4 is free with a placard (first-come, first-served). Best free option: Kentucky Exposition Center with free accessible shuttles to the Paddock Gate.
How do I get to Churchill Downs without a car?
TARC bus Routes 4, 6, and 29 serve Churchill Downs ($1.75 one-way). On Derby Day, expect detours near Central Avenue. The Kentucky Exposition Center offers free parking with free accessible shuttles. Rally bus rideshare runs from Lexington, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Nashville with 60+ pickup locations.
What should I eat and drink at Churchill Downs?
The Mint Julep is the must-have drink (120,000+ served on Derby weekend). Inside: Coop Chicken tenders (#1 seller), BBQ shrimp, char-grilled short ribs, and the Horseshoe Margarita. Matt Winn's Steakhouse (6th floor) offers 7-course menus. Pre-race: Wagner's Pharmacy (since 1922) directly across the street for breakfast.
What is there to do besides the races?
Kentucky Derby Museum (on-site, 20,000+ artifacts, 360-degree film), Barn & Backside sunrise tours, Bourbon & Bridles Tour, Louisville Slugger Museum (4 mi), Bourbon District & Whiskey Row (4 mi), and Muhammad Ali Center (4 mi). Louisville is a world-class bourbon and culinary destination.
What hotels are closest to Churchill Downs?
Staybridge Suites Expo Center (0.9 mi, from $109) is closest. Home2 Suites Airport/Expo (1.1 mi, from $119), SpringHill Suites Airport (1.7 mi, from $129). Downtown luxury: Omni Louisville (3 mi, from $172), The Brown Hotel (3.5 mi, from $189). Book 6-12 months ahead for Derby Week — prices jump 3-5x.
What are the gates at Churchill Downs?
Three main admission gates: Paddock Gate (new expanded entry via Central Avenue with 30 turnstiles), Clubhouse Gate (formerly Gate 10), and Infield Gate (formerly Gate 3). The Executive Gate provides access for Starting Gate Suites and Homestretch Club ticketholders via the Black/Green lots.
Is Churchill Downs wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Wheelchair and companion seating in Sections 1003, 1007, 1011, 2005, 2009 (Turn One Club), Section 01 (Homestretch Club), SGC 06, 11, 12, and Sections 116-117, 315-317. ADA parking at W1-W4 is free with a placard. All restrooms are accessible. Note: Wheelchair transfer service is not provided — bring your own wheelchair. Contact 502-636-4400 for assistance.
What is the capacity of Churchill Downs?
With the infield open on Kentucky Derby Day, Churchill Downs holds approximately 170,000 spectators, making it one of the largest single-day sporting events in the world. The venue covers 175 acres with a one-mile dirt oval track and a seven-furlong turf course.
What are the best Derby Day insider tips?
Arrive by 8am. Wear comfortable shoes (you'll walk miles). Bring sunscreen. Use the Churchill Downs app Wayfinding tool. Grandstand 2nd floor restrooms have shorter lines than the Infield. Bet the Derby early or via mobile to avoid window lines. The Kentucky Expo Center free shuttle is the best parking move. And consider Kentucky Oaks (Friday) for a less crowded, equally exciting experience.
When is the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is held on the first Saturday of May each year. Kentucky Oaks is the day before (Friday). Derby Week runs Tuesday through Saturday. Churchill Downs also hosts spring and fall race meets, and has hosted the Breeders' Cup nine times. The first Derby was run on May 17, 1875.
When is Churchill Downs busiest?
Kentucky Derby Day (first Saturday of May) peaks at 170,000 fans. Kentucky Oaks (Friday before) draws 100,000+. Breeders' Cup weekends see 50,000-80,000. Regular spring and fall race days are far calmer at 10,000-25,000. For the shortest lines and most relaxed experience, visit on a weekday during spring or fall meet.
Is there free water at Churchill Downs?
Yes. Free water stations are on every concourse level of the Grandstand, Clubhouse, and Jockey Club Suites. Any concession stand will provide a free cup of ice water on request — no purchase necessary. On Derby Day, additional hydration stations operate in the Infield. Sealed water bottles are allowed through all gates.
Where is First Aid at Churchill Downs?
First Aid stations are on the Clubhouse 1st floor (next to the nursing room), Grandstand 1st floor (near Paddock Gate), and in the Infield on Oaks/Derby days (trailer near the tunnel). EMTs patrol all areas on major race days. For emergencies, contact any staff member or call 502-636-4400.
Can Churchill Downs accommodate food allergies?
Yes. Speak with a food service manager at any concession kitchen for allergen-specific options. Gluten-free buns are available at select locations. For severe allergies, sealed outside food for medical dietary needs is permitted through the gates with documentation. All bars can prepare drinks without common allergens on request.
Is Churchill Downs family-friendly?
Yes. Five family restrooms with baby changing stations across the Grandstand, Clubhouse, and Jockey Club Suites. Five nursing rooms with private seating and power outlets. Strollers are permitted in the Grandstand and Clubhouse. The Kentucky Derby Museum (on-site) has interactive exhibits for kids. Children under 5 enter the museum free. Free water at all concession stands.
