Safety, parking and road closures: What you need to know for Kentucky Derby 150
After a year's worth of planning, Mayor Craig Greenberg said Louisville is ready to welcome the world to Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby 150.
Louisville’s law enforcement and emergency management agencies are preparing to welcome hundreds of thousands of people from across the globe to Churchill Downs for the historic 150th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.
Officials said it comes after a year’s worth of planning to ensure safety at the renowned racetrack.
“We are ready to welcome the world,” Mayor Craig Greenberg said Tuesday.
Be sure to sign up for the city’s LENSAlert by texting “DERBY” to 67283 or download the free WHAS11 app (For Apple or Android) for any traffic or security alerts this Derby season.
Safety at Churchill Downs
The Department of Homeland Security classifies Thurby, Oaks and Derby as a SEAR 2 event, which is a federal rating designed to provide more federal resources for large events that need coordinated law enforcement efforts.
“There will be hundreds of resources from the federal government, state level, local law enforcement, but also our emergency management, fire, EMS and other services,” Josh Ball, senior director of security, safety, and first aid at Churchill Downs, said. “Really it takes thousands of people to make this happen, to provide this safe and secure environment.”
NOTE: Churchill Downs enforces a no re-entry policy. You cannot leave the facility and return on the same ticket.
Louisville Metro Police (LMPD) Chief Jaquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel said the department is leveraging all its manpower to keep people safe, adding that guests will notice an increased police presence around Churchill Downs throughout the week.
The department is also warning against violating the city’s street racing ordinance and any street takeovers, saying numerous tow vehicles are on standby.
“If you choose to draw attention to yourself, either through illegal means or you are hindering the safety of others to safely enjoy Derby 150,” LMPD Deputy Chief Steve Healey said. “LMPD will respond with the appropriate amount of attention your action has dictated.”
LMPD may also implement traffic diversion plans if traffic becomes too congested on roadways to get emergency vehicles through parts of the city. Healey also advised checking business hours for stores near the track as they may be different.
If you plan on going to the track, you may also notice Louisville Fire Department (LFD) vehicles and crews stationed on the frontside and backside of the track between Thursday morning and Sunday.
LFD Chief Brian O'Neill said that equipment has been placed there so the fire department can respond to any emergencies at Churchill Downs without needing to get through heavy traffic.
Emergency management officials urged guests to notify police if they see anything suspicious.
“Be vigilant,” LMPD Major Jill Bates said. “You can alert an officer, we will have a strong visual presence around the track, you can call 911 for an emergency or the crime tip line at 502-574-5673."
Parking, road closures for Kentucky Oaks, Derby
Roadways around Churchill Downs will be largely shut down or have traffic diverted around the racetrack for Kentucky Oaks and Derby 150. Make sure to take note of the following street closures and no stopping zones to avoid the headaches now!
LMPD will strictly enforce no-stopping zones. Numerous tow trucks are on standby, police warned.
If you get lost and end up on a street you aren’t supposed to be on, you will be turned around.
Some TARC routes have also been adjusted to accommodate Kentucky Derby road closures. Click here for more information.
Parking at Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs officials said Tuesday that all on-site parking at the racetrack has been sold.
If you did purchase a permit to park at Churchill Downs, Ball said to refer to the instructions on the back of your permit with information on where to park. Each parking lot has a unique route to take.
“If you come the wrong route,” he said. “You’ll have to go back out and fight traffic.”
Churchill Downs Infield Parking
Infield ticket holders can park at the University of Louisville’s L&N Stadium near Churchill Downs in Purple Lots A-C.
This is a paid parking lot. Car passes are $40, RV passes are $150, and bus passes are $200.
Churchill Downs Frontside Parking
If you have tickets for the Frontside, officials said ticketholders can park at the Kentucky Exposition Center and utilize the free shuttle option to the racetrack.
It will run all week for all guests. This is the easiest and preferred method, Ball added.
Rideshare Pickup/Dropoff Location
Rideshare (taxis, Uber, Lyft, etc.) will also be at UofL’s L&N Stadium. It will be located on the north side of Central Avenue in the Bronze Lot.
Neighborhood Parking
Some residents may allow visitors to park on their lawns or streets for the Kentucky Derby. Officials advise guests to pay attention to fencing and signs, so you don’t go the wrong direction throughout the neighborhoods.
Drivers are also advised to be patient as traffic will likely be congested.
Prohibited Items at Churchill Downs
If you plan on visiting the racetrack for Kentucky Derby 150, take note what items you are allowed to bring inside Churchill Downs and what items you can’t.
The racetrack has a restricted bag policy in place through Saturday, May 4. Each guest is allowed one bag that is no larged than 12”x6”x12”.
Leave the following items behind or you may be asked to throw them away or make the trek back to your car to leave them there before entering the venue.
Prohibited Items (Opening Night to Derby Day):
- Air horns
- Alcoholic beverages
- Backpacks
- Bags larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″
- Balloons and inflatables
- Balls
- Banners and/or signs, unless pre-approved
- Cameras with detachable lenses, or equipped with a lens that is 6” or larger
- Canopies
- Cans (any size or type)
- Collapsible chairs *see below for exceptions.
- Collapsible chairs without canopies
- Confetti
- Coolers
- Chains
- Duffel bags
- Drones and remote-controlled aircraft
- Firearms
- Fireworks
- Food (Opening Night -- Thurby) *see below for exceptions.
- Frisbees
- Glass bottles or containers
- Grills
- Hoverboards, skateboards and scooters
- Illegal substances
- Knives
- Laser lights/pointers
- Luggage
- Mace
- Noise makers
- Pepper spray
- Personal music players without headphones
- Pets, except for trained service animals
- Poles or sticks of any size
- Portable speakers/sound systems
- Projectile Items
- Seat cushions larger than 15″ X 15″ that contain metal arms and/or backs, zippers, pockets or flaps
- Selfie sticks
- Tents
- Thermoses
- Tripods
- Umbrellas of any size
- Wagons
- Weapons of any kind
- Any items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate
There are some exceptions to these items, however, depending on the day you are visiting Churchill Downs and whether you are seated on the Frontside or in the Infield.
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