For the first time since 1945, the Kentucky Derby has been delayed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. But, don’t worry, the excitement of the Derby is still expected and many of the usual Derby festivities will still be happening with a few significant changes due to the virus.
When Is the Kentucky Derby 2020?
Kentucky Derby week 2020 will be held September 1-5 with the Kentucky Oaks scheduled for Friday the 4th and the Kentucky Derby for Saturday, September 5th.
The gates open at 8am and the wagering windows will open 30 minutes before the first race of the day, around 10 am.
For the full Derby Day Schedule at the track visit KentuckyDerby.com
Will Spectators Be Able to Attend the Kentucky Derby This Year?
Get your derby hats and seersucker suits ready! Churchill Downs announced at the end of June that the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby would be held with spectators in attendance. The event will have strict guidelines in place to protect the health and safety of staff and attendees and to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
What Restrictions will Be in place?
The venue capacity will be reduced to promote social distancing. This includes general admission, outdoor reserved seating, premium dining and suites.
Access and movement throughout the facility will be limited to reduce contact.
Barn area access will be limited to essential personnel only and guests
Guests will be encouraged to wear a mask at all times unless they are seated in their reserved seat. This includes anytime they are moving through the venue, riding on a shuttle, using restrooms, placing bets or purchasing refreshments. Guests will also be encouraged to wash their hands frequently and socially distance whenever possible. More details about the most up-to-date restrictions can be found at KentuckyDerby.com
Tickets for the Kentucky Derby
Tickets purchased for the originally scheduled Kentucky Derby Week dates are automatically valid for the new race dates. Guests may arrive on the new dates in September with their printed ticket or mobile ticket to be scanned for entry at the gates. Guests that have purchased a ticket and are not able to attend the newly scheduled race dates, can visit www.KentuckyDerby.com/TicketStatus for more information. Guests who purchased tickets from a vendor or secondary market website other than Churchill Downs, Ticketmaster.com or Derby Experiences must contact those sites directly. Churchill Downs is unable to process refunds for those tickets.
What Derby Events are On for 2020?
There are many changes to this year’s derby events and festivities all around the state of Kentucky including a much reduced Kentucky Derby Festival schedule.
We’ve rounded up a whole list of Kentucky Derby Events and Derby Parties in Kentucky that we will be continuing to update between now and Derby day.
