Here's everything to know about parking changes at Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby 2023

Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal

April 14, 2023 at 11:48 AM·7 min read

Churchill Downs parking plan for Thurby, Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby days

With less than a month until the 149th Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs wants race fans to know about revised parking options and road closures you'll encounter when visiting the historic racetrack.

"It's going to be much different than it has been in the past. The main difference guests will experience is that we are really going to restrict traffic along Central Avenue," Erin Curley, senior director of Venue and Derby Operations Churchill Downs told the Courier Journal. "With Paddock renovations still underway (the project is projected to be finished by Derby 150 in 2024), we have pushed a lot of things into the parking lot and created an elevated fan experience similar to what you find at the Super Bowl, major golf tournaments and other major sports events."

The parking lots directly in front of the track along Central Avenue will not be open to vehicle parking in 2023. Instead, the parking area will become a fan experience with a stage for live music on Thurby, Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby days, premium food and drink, a Kentucky Derby merchandise shop, and more.

"We'll still have reserved parking, just less of it this year," Curley added. "Another difference is if you have purchased reserved parking, you'll be entering off of side streets such as Longfield Avenue and Taylor Avenue. It's really going to be a better traffic situation because vehicles won't clog Central Avenue."

In 2023, Central Avenue adjacent to Churchill Downs will be closed from Thursday, May 4 through Saturday, May 6. Visit kentuckyderbyparking.com for more route-specific information.

There are several different options for traveling to and from Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week. Here is what to know about parking at the 2023 Kentucky Derby:

What to know about parking for Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby

On Thurby, Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby days, Churchill Downs will eliminate a number of parking spaces between Gates 1 and 17 and in their place will erect a fan experience with live music, a merchandise shop, and premium food and drink.

All parking at Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby Week is reserved and sold in advance until April 15. Those who have a spot will need to show a hangtag or mobile parking pass to enter the lots on-site. For those who have pre-purchased onsite parking, lots will open at 8 a.m. on Oaks and Derby days.

Here are answers to some of the most common questions on parking and transportation, but note that things can shift and Churchill Downs recommends browsing through parking and visitor information on kentuckyderby.com and downloading its racetrack app ahead of your visit to catch any news about last-minute changes.

How much is parking at the Kentucky Derby?

On-site parking is reserved and sold in advance. You'll find available parking information at kentuckyderby.com listed in the Travel and Parking section. Locals who live around the track often offer parking spaces in driveways and lawns at various rates, so it may be worth shopping around.

Does Churchill Downs have valet parking?

No, not on Kentucky Derby Day.

Where is Churchill Downs located?

A crowd watches the Oaks race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky on May 6, 2022.

The Kentucky Derby is held each year at Churchill Downs, 700 Central Ave., in Louisville. If you are visiting Louisville for the races, Churchill Downs recommends Waze, a phone app, to help navigate roads during Derby Week.

What roads are closed near Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week?

Fencing will be installed along Central Avenue on April 26 and will be dismantled on May 7. The following roads/intersections will be closed on race days:

Intersection of Racine and Bohannon
Intersection of Homeview and Bohannon
Intersection of Thornberry and Bohannon
Intersection of Thornberry and Warren
Queen Avenue and Warren
Longfield and Kentucky Derby Drive

Central Avenue will be closed on Thurby, Oaks, and Derby Days from Floyd Street to Taylor Boulevard and Southern Parkway to Central Avenue along Oakdale.

What is the Longfield sidewalk project?

New in 2023, Churchill Downs Racetrack has had more than 2,100 feet of sidewalk added on the northside of Longfield Avenue to address pedestrian safety concerns and ADA access along the roadway.

What type of off-site parking is available during Kentucky Derby Week?

There are several options for off-site parking, be prepared to walk or take a shuttle.

Parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane, is included with the price of your ticket if you have paid for reserved seating with frontside access. Shuttles will run from Churchill Downs to the Kentucky Exposition Center on Thurby, Oaks, and Derby days. Your ticket is your pass, so be sure to present your Frontside Reserved Seating mobile ticket upon entry to KEC Gates 2, 4, or 6. This includes free shuttle service to and from Churchill Downs with drop-off and pick-up in the Black Lot outside of the Paddock Gate.

KEC Shuttles will begin running at 8 a.m. on Oaks and Derby days. Shuttles will run 24 hours until 8 a.m. on Sunday.

There will be ADA-accessible parking and shuttles available. Please note that Churchill Downs is not able to provide wheelchair assistance once a guest is dropped off at Churchill Downs.

For those who purchased Infield General Admission and Infield Final Turn General Admission tickets, there is no parking included with your ticket purchase. It is recommended that you park and walk to the Infield Gate from the places listed below.

There is paid parking available at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium on Friday and Saturday. This option is for guests to park and walk to Churchill Downs. Pricing is $40 for a car or truck; $150 for an RV or similar; and $200 for a bus.

Where do I get dropped off if I use a ride-sharing service or taxi?

Taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off will take place at the Bronze Lot at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Please note there will be no ride-hailing services such as Uber or Lyft or taxis allowed on Central Avenue in 2023.

What are my other options for off-site parking?

Churchill Downs has compiled a list of offsite parking maps and routes which can be found at under Maps and Directions at kentuckyderby.com.

How can I get a TARC ride to Churchill Downs?

The Transit Authority of River City will operate on an adjusted schedule during Thurby, Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby days, so make sure to check its site ahead of time at ridetarc.org.

Can I take a rental scooter to Churchill Downs?

People walk up a set of Grandstand stairs at Churchill Downs on Oaks Day Friday morning. May 6, 2022 May 6, 2022

Rental scooters aren't allowed on the Churchill Downs property or any of the roads that have restrictions or closures during Kentucky Derby Week. Utilize the scooter app for details about appropriate parking zones and restricted riding areas.

Is there handicapped parking at Churchill Downs?

For guests in need of mobility assistance, dedicated golf cart shuttles will operate on a pre-scheduled route to offer assistance to the gate. Once you have spotted a mobility assistance pick-up or drop-off location, please wait there for a shuttle. Guests will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis

Those requiring more information about ADA accessibility can call 502-636-4450.

What time do lots open for Thurby on Thursday, May 4?

If you have pre-purchased onsite parking, lots will open at 10 a.m. on Thurby. The Kentucky Exposition Center shuttles will begin running at 10 a.m. on Thursday and will stop running after 8 p.m.

What time do lots open for Champions Day on Wednesday, May 3 and 502'sDay Tuesday, May 2?

Twin spires stretch high above the reduced capacity crowd after the 147th running of the Kentucky Oaks, Friday, April 30, 2021 in Louisville, Ky.

For those who have pre-purchased onsite parking for Wednesday and Tuesday, lots open at 10:30 a.m.

For parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center on 502'sDay and Champions Day, free shuttles (no pass needed) will begin running at 10:30 a.m. and will drop guests off in the Black Lot. Shuttles will run until 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and 6 p.m. Tuesday.

There is no parking at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium on these two days. Addiontionly, there is no offsite taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off. All taxi or rideshare pick-ups and drop-offs will happen onsite at Kentucky Derby Drive.

Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Guide to parking changes at Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby 2023

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