Churchill Downs spans 147 acres and offers various seating options for the Kentucky Derby, including the Starting Gate Suites and Millionaire's Row. The Third Floor Clubhouse provides covered seating for groups to enjoy the race comfortably.
If it's your first time at the Kentucky Derby, or your first time in a while, it might be good to get a sneak peek of the grounds at Churchill Downs Racetrack.
Churchill Downs sits on approximately 147 acres, so there's a lot of square footage. To prepare us for the big day, we asked Kevin Kerstein, publicity manager at Churchill Downs Racetrack, to give us a tour of some of the seating areas, from the Starting Gate Suites to the infield and even Millionaire's Row.
Kerstein also walked us over to the Grandstand, specifically the Third Floor Clubhouse, which features boxes where "six to eight of your best friends can sit out here and watch the Kentucky Derby under cover seats, so you can be away from the elements or you can be out in the elements on a nice sunny day," he said. "It's the perfect place to watch the Kentucky Derby."
Linda and Tony Rodriguez kiss while taking shelter during a weather delay Friday, May 2, 2025, during a severe weather delay ahead of the 151st running of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
A woman tries to use a jacket to stay dry as a rain storm falls on Oaks Day late in the afternoon at Churchill Downs May 2, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Trackgoers deal with rain, at Churchill Downs on Oaks Day, one day before the 151th running of The Kentucky Derby. Friday, May 2, 2025
Trackgoers deal with rain, at Churchill Downs on Oaks Day, one day before the 151th running of The Kentucky Derby. Friday, May 2, 2025
Dee Dee Luxe of New York New York, walks through the paddock at Churchill Down with her French Bulldog "Barla' Friday morning.
Jeff Ketterman of Corydon, Indiana wore heart in the font style of the 1950s sitcom "I Love Lucy" with "I Love Lueyville" on his hat while attending Oaks Day with his wife Carrie at Churchill Downs May 2, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky.
A couple gathers in front of the Twin Spires at the Oaks at Churchill Downs in Louisville KY on May 2 2025.
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Linda and Tony Rodriguez kiss while taking shelter during a weather delay Friday, May 2, 2025, during a severe weather delay ahead of the 151st running of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
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Linda and Tony Rodriguez kiss while taking shelter during a weather delay Friday, May 2, 2025, during a severe weather delay ahead of the 151st running of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
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A woman tries to use a jacket to stay dry as a rain storm falls on Oaks Day late in the afternoon at Churchill Downs May 2, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky.
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Trackgoers deal with rain, at Churchill Downs on Oaks Day, one day before the 151th running of The Kentucky Derby. Friday, May 2, 2025
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Trackgoers deal with rain, at Churchill Downs on Oaks Day, one day before the 151th running of The Kentucky Derby. Friday, May 2, 2025
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Dee Dee Luxe of New York New York, walks through the paddock at Churchill Down with her French Bulldog "Barla' Friday morning.
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Jeff Ketterman of Corydon, Indiana wore heart in the font style of the 1950s sitcom "I Love Lucy" with "I Love Lueyville" on his hat while attending Oaks Day with his wife Carrie at Churchill Downs May 2, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky.
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A couple gathers in front of the Twin Spires at the Oaks at Churchill Downs in Louisville KY on May 2 2025.
More 'Let's Talk Derby:' How to place a bet at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby
Get a sneak peek of the seating areas at Churchill Downs ahead of Kentucky Derby Week in our "Let's Talk Derby with Kathryn and Kirby," video series.
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Where to sit at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby
The best seating options include the Starting Gate Suites, Millionaire's Row, and the Third Floor Clubhouse, which offers covered seating.
Churchill Downs covers approximately 147 acres.
The Third Floor Clubhouse features boxes for six to eight people, providing covered seating to watch the Kentucky Derby.
First-time visitors should familiarize themselves with the layout of Churchill Downs and explore various seating areas to enhance their experience.
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