Churchill Downs tix NOT during Derby

Does anyone know if it is possibly/necessary to buy tickets in advance for Churchill Downs on a regular non-Derby day?

I don%26#39;t really see any available which makes me think it%26#39;s not neccesary but I want to go on April 26th which is the first day of live racing and seems like it could be crowded. Does any one know if opening day is a big deal? If it%26#39;s at all likely to be crowded I%26#39;d like to secure tix so we don%26#39;t miss out!

Churchill Downs tix NOT during Derby

You can always walk up and purchase standing room only tickets. If you want to be assured of a particular seat like the 3rd floor clubhouse (or higher), you%26#39;ll need to purchase in advance. That said, I%26#39;ve never seen opening day so crowded that you can%26#39;t steal a few minutes in a seat here %26amp; there.

Churchill Downs tix NOT during Derby

Thanks for the info. I%26#39;ll probably just do the SRO thing but in case I get neurotic, do you know where I could buy the clubhouse tix in advance? The only thing I see on their website requires you to buy 12 minimum.

This is copied directly from the following webpage:

churchilldowns.com/visit_the_track/…

Reserved Clubhouse Seating:

Seats located on the third floor of the clubhouse can be reserved in advance by calling (502) 636-4400 or can be purchased on the day of at the Reserved Seating Booth located next to the Program Booth inside Gates 10 and 17.

Occasionally the Skye Terrace will be open for general admission seating. A seat in the Skye Terrace provides guests the ability to sit indoors in a climate controlled environment and view the races from an outdoor balcony.

We went to opening day of Fall racing season (October) and walked right in. Might be more people in April, so just to be sure might be a good idea to get advance tickets.

I wouldn%26#39;t be too worried about it... The place is huge and only about 10% of the seats will be in use - even if it is the first day of live racing. You%26#39;ll be able to buy tickets at the door for the clubhouse and choose your seats when you get to the actual aisle. It is completely normal to just take over a box. You%26#39;ll find the people around you doing the same thing and if the rare actual seatholder shows up, they%26#39;ll probably sit somewhere else, join you or ask you to sit somewhere else... Over 185,000 people come for the Oaks and Derby and about 5000 show up on any other day.

The week of Derby is much more packed. Outside of Derby though, seats are plentiful and the Downs is a wonderful place. My family has access to a box seat, so I%26#39;ve never had to buy, however, there seem to be plenty of empty open seats.

The races tend not to start until afternoon. Why not explore the Derby Museum in the morning?