OT: Is attending the KY Derby worth the effort and cost?

[What's Gnu?]

I just moved to the state and have never been. Thanks!

 

[78Gooses]

I went to the infield every year from 1978 to 1994. I wouldn't recommend it unless the sun shines bright on my old Kentucky home. I do recommend going with experienced Derby goers. Welcome to Kentucky.

 

[BankerCat12]

I just moved to the state and have never been. Thanks!

Try it and find out. Everyone is different.

 

[Tskware]

It is a huge crowd, and expensive, so not to everyone's taste. Be prepared for a LONG day. That being said, yes, it is worth it to go every ten years or so, it is a tremendous spectacle, lots of tradition, and there is nothing like it.

As for the infield, if you are more than 25 years old - DON'T.

 

[starchief]

How much does going to the Derby cost?

 

[_Zardoz_]

If you have to ask if it's worth it then you're too GD poor to be going anyway, plebe.

 

[louisvillesux]

its definitely worth it to go, at least once.

 

[dgtatu01]

Go at least once, but buy the tickets after you are fairly sure the weather will be nice. You have to pay an arm and a leg no matter what, a few hundred extra for last second seats is nothing to make sure the year you go is not like this year.

 

[USSLair]

Back in college the in field was fun as hell. But don't expect to see any horses except on a TV screen.

I only go now when I get actually tickets in the grandstand. But takes a good deal of time to make bets so I would make all your bets on one trip.

 

[RacerX.ksr]

For some people it's worth it, for others it's not. Who are you?

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

Go at least once, but buy the tickets after you are fairly sure the weather will be nice. You have to pay an arm and a leg no matter what, a few hundred extra for last second seats is nothing to make sure the year you go is not like this year.

This. Go once. Thats enough.

 

[Rupp'sRunt]

It is a huge crowd, and expensive, so not to everyone's taste. Be prepared for a LONG day. That being said, yes, it is worth it to go every ten years or so, it is a tremendous spectacle, lots of tradition, and there is nothing like it.

As for the infield, if you are more than 25 years old - DON'T.

24 yrs old here, still wouldn't go to the infield. That's a 20 and under drunk experience

 

[WayneDougan_rivals170043]

Derby is awesome. Hell yeah it's worth it.

 

[Rupp'sRunt]

Derby is awesome. Hell yeah it's worth it.

Depends how much you win/lose for this guy

 

[Phil_The_Music2]

I was 35 when I went. In the infield. Had a blast. Go once, but that's all you'll need.

 

[shockdaddy19]

If you can control the weather, then Oaks/Derby is a very good time. Went big last year with a covered box and the reality is, it's about a 2k day after tickets, the wife buys a dress/hat, Uber, babysitter, etc. And I'm not a big gambler.

But I will never be a "do it every year" kinda guy. Would rather take that money and go on vacation.

 

[BlueVelvetFog]

Churchill is the Titanic. Rich white folk in the grandstands. Infield is steerage.

 

[Catman100]

Almost 50 and yesterday was my first Derby. Tickets, alcohol and food ran me around $800.
Beers $10 bucks. Mint Juleps $14. Cheapest cigar was $15. Food was crazy.

With that said, let me just say it was FRIGGIN AWESOME!! Rain hit us for about 10 minutes total, and the rest of the day was pretty pleasant. Churchill doesn't look as nice to me as Keeneland does, and I'm not sure why they don't apply some fresh paint to some areas, but other than that I had no complaints. Just an amazing ambiance.

The outfits and elegance of the crowd were pretty cool to look at. Lots and lots of gorgeous women to look at as well. The experience was just absolutely awesome. I definitely recommend doing it at least once for the experience.

Took em for about $400, so that was a welcomed bonus.

 

[KingOfBBN]

I found The Oaks more entertaining and fun to go to. That's just my take.