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

78Gooses

All-Conference
Feb 17, 2016
1,063
2,916
0
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.
 

Tskware

Heisman
Jan 26, 2003
24,919
21,278
113
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.
 

dgtatu01

All-Conference
Sep 21, 2005
8,673
2,622
0
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

All-American
Apr 9, 2017
4,489
6,957
0
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.
 

Rupp'sRunt

Heisman
Apr 19, 2008
14,675
20,094
0
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
 

shockdaddy19

All-Conference
Aug 30, 2012
746
1,061
73
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.
 

Catman100

All-American
Jan 3, 2003
6,705
9,679
96
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.
 
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