It's Keeneland time in the Bluegrass; get ready for a spring meet under construction

Following every March Sadness is the spring Keeneland meet, perfectly positioned in early April, every April, to put away any basketball blues. This season, Kentucky Basketball fans desperately need the Keeneland pick-me-up after a shockingly early exit from the NCAA Tournament. On Friday, many of those saddened fans will lift their chins and wipe their tears to watch the first day of races as Keeneland opens its gates and windows to Spring 2024.

April 5 is Opening Day at Lexington’s iconic racetrack, where elegance and sport come together for a three-week meet twice a year on the rolling hills of the Horse Capital of the World. It’s where the sweet sounds of Steve Buttelman’s bugle may send a chill down your spine while, steps away, the sound of someone named Ashleigh crying out for her phone that she lost in the bathroom, and her left shoe, is equally a part of the charm. All those fraternity brothers wearing identical clothing? Like burgoo and betting, they’re part of the tradition, too. It’s Keeneland, one of the happiest places on Earth (unless you lose a lot of money), and it is ready to welcome a new season of visitors.

Before you go, here are several things to know, some from Keeneland and a few others from personal experiences.

*** Keeneland’s 16-day spring meet runs from Friday, April 5, through Friday, April 26, with live racing from Wednesday through Sunday. There is no racing on Monday and Tuesday.

*** Tickets to Keeneland are sold exclusively online at tickets.keeneland.com, with prices ranging from $7 to $15 for general admission to premium seating options. You should get those now if you intend to go. The Saturday general admission tickets are already sold out.

*** Gates open for racing at 11:00 a.m. First post each day is at 1:00 p.m.

*** Keeneland is under construction in 2024, so race-goers should be aware of some minor logistical changes until the new paddock building is complete. Among those changes, there are new admission gates and entry and parking policies since you last attended a race:

*** Parking: Due to the construction, the number of paved parking spaces is down this spring, so all paved spots are now reserved for paid permit and free handicap parking. Use Gate 2 if you fall into one of those two categories. Free public parking is still available at The Hill and Meadow with complimentary shuttling available. Use Gate 1 to park for free. Learn more about parking.

*** Parking permits cost $10 on Wednesday and Thursday or $20 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You can buy those here.

*** Pick-Up/Drop-Off: You can’t pick up or drop off at the North or South Grandstand entrances. Those roads will be closed to vehicles. The Ride Share area is where you will find your Uber, Lyft, personal shuttle, sober friend, etc. Drivers will need to enter through Gate 1 and follow the signs.

*** Admission Gates: To speed up the entry process into the track, Keeneland redesigned its gates to add self-scanning entry. Don’t worry; the wonderful greeters who worked the old booths will still be around to assist. You can help them by having your mobile or printed ticket ready. No screenshots.

*** Tailgating: Before you go inside, you may want to spend some time around Keeneland’s official tailgating area, The Hill, where you’ll find betting, food trucks, live music, a gigantic TV to watch the races, and more. Or, you can have your own party wherever you park, but be sure to follow the tailgating guidelines if you go that route. Only The Hill is allowed to have a jumbo TV and food trucks. You need to keep it light.

*** If you’re going on opening weekend, you’ll probably be cold. Remember, the burgoo. The hot bowl of mystery stew never disappoints on a chilly Keeneland afternoon. Look for it at Draft & Dogs or Keeneland Grill. All of the food and beverage options can be found here.

*** On Saturday, April 6, the Blue Grass Stakes, a signature race at Keeneland and on the Kentucky Derby’s prep race calendar, will run for the 100th time. Now a million-dollar event that has seen many of its participants go on to win the Run For The Roses, the Blue Grass Stakes began before Keeneland existed and moved to Keeneland for its debut in 1937. This year, it turns 100.

*** You can follow the 100th running of the Blue Grass Stakes and Keeneland’s other races at Keeneland.com, where every race will be live-streamed for free. Learn more ways to watch here.