TheKentucky Derby,billed as "the most exciting two minutes in sports," is a sprint that is over in what feels like a blink of an eye, but for those lucky enough to attend it, the annual spectacle feels more likea marathon.
Staying for all the races will take 10-plus hours, anddon't forget about anyadditional festivities that consume Louisville on that magical first Saturday in May, this year held on May 6.
Sometimes drinks spill. Sometimes heels break. Sometimes April showers aren't left behind in early May.You need to be prepared for anything, within the bounds of what you can actually have atChurchill Downs, of course.
If you're worried about what you can and cannot bringinside the famous racetrack during Derby Week, here's what you need to know.
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What to bring into Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
- A hat. Wear one no matter what. It's part of the tradition and pageantry.
- Hand sanitizer
- Ladies, pack an extrapair of flats or flip-flops in your purse.
- Sunscreen if it's sunny, a sweater if it's chilly and a poncho if it looks like rain is in the forecast. KentuckyDerby officials recommenda lightweight, clear poncho so you can still show off your duds if the weather gets bad.Bonus:Use the poncho to protect your purse while watching the race because sometimesthe person on the balcony above you knocks over their mint julep.
- Boxed lunches or food items in clear plastic bags (no trash bags) or containers that do not exceed the maximum size (12-inches-by-6-inches-by-12-inches), but only on Thurby, Oaks, and Derby Days. A limit of one bag per person applies.
- Bottled water is in a sealed, clear, and unopened plastic bottle. Limit of two 24-ounce bottles per person
- A dry-cleaning bag or extra poncho to protect your hat if it rains
- A cute bag —just make sure it meets thebag policy requirements (see below).
- Binoculars
- You can bring diaper bags andstrollers, as long as you actually have a child with you.
- Seat cushions smaller than 15-inches-by-15-inches that do not contain metal arms or backs, zippers, pockets or flaps.
- Your tickets. It seems like a no-brainer, buttickets can't be replaced or refunded, so it's worth the two seconds it takes to double-check you have them either printed out or on your phone.
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What is the purse and bag policy at Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby?
Churchill Downs will enforce a restricted bag policy fromApril 29through Derby Day on May 6.Each guest is permitted one bag no larger than 12 inches-by-6 inches-by-12 inches.Each guest is also permitted:
- one large clear bag — either a one-gallon clearZiploc-style storage bag or a 12-inches-by-6-inches clear tote bag.
Diaper bags are allowed if you have a child with you.
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Prohibited items at Churchill Downsduring Kentucky Derby Week
- Alcoholic beverages
- Backpacks, duffel bags and luggage
- Bags that don't adhere tothebag policy (see above)
- Balloons and inflatables
- Banners and/or signs, unless pre-approved
- Cameras with detachable lensesor equipped with a lens that is 6-inchesor larger
- Canopies and tents
- Cans (any size or type), glass bottles or containers
- Chairs
- Confetti
- Coolers
- Drones and remote-controlled aircraft
- Fireworks, noisemakers, air horns, laser lights/pointers, mace or pepper spray
- Food and beverages
- Grills
- Hoverboards, skateboards and scooters
- Illegal substances
- Personal music players without headphones, portable speakers/sound systems
- Pets, except for trained service animals
- Poles or sticks of any size
- Projectile items, balls and frisbees
- Seat cushions that are larger than 15 inches by15 inchesthat contain metal arms and/or backs, zippers, pockets or flaps
- Selfie sticks
- Thermoses
- Tripods
- Umbrellas of any size
- Wagons
- Weapons (including guns, knives, and cigar cutters)
- Any items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate
