LOUISVILLE, Ky.  — After coronavirus postponed the 146th Kentucky Derby, spectators will be allowed at the rescheduled race Saturday, Sept. 5.

What You Need To Know


  • Spectators allowed at 146th Kentucky Derby

  • Will be allowed under strict guidelines

  • General admission limited to infield

  • Guests encourged to wear masks, wash hand and social distance

The announcement was made after the racetrack consulted with Gov. Andy Beshear (D) and state public health officials. Spectators will be under strict guidelines.

“We truly appreciate the leadership of the Governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear, and all of the hard work, collaboration and guidance that state and local officials and public health experts have provided us to safely and responsibly host Kentucky Derby Week in September with spectators,” said Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery. “Our team is deeply committed to holding the very best Kentucky Derby ever, and we will take all necessary steps to protect the health and safety of all who attend and participate in the Derby. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have established a comprehensive set of operating procedures, which include a multitude of precautionary measures to be followed while fans are in attendance at our facility. We are determined to keep our customers, employees and communities as safe as we responsibly can.”

The guidelines set in place were also developed with advice from Louisville Metro Health Departent and Kentucky's Healthy at Work guidance. Some of the steps that will be taken include:

  • Venue capacity limits on general admission, outdoor reserved seating, premium dining and suites. More information on ticketing and seating will be released in coming days.
  • General admission tickets will be limited to a specific number and only allow access to the infield, no the "front side" or paddock areas.
  • Access through Churchill Downs will be severely limited.
  • Employee, media and guest credentials will be reduced.
  • Only essential personnel will be allowed in the barn area. There will be no guests or parties allowed in the barn area for morning workouts and during race days.
  • Changes in venue operations meant to limit person-to-person touchpoints.
  • Team member protocols will be in place to protect employees and guests.
  • Revised Fan Code of Conduct with expectations for Derby guests.

The revised code of conduct encourages guests to wear a mask at all times unless seated in their reserved seat or venue, including when guests are riding on a shuttle, traveling through the venue or going to the restroom. Guests are also encouraged to frequently sanitize their hands and wash them for 20 seconds and socially distance themselves.

“The impact of the Kentucky Derby extends well beyond the Twin Spires of Churchill Downs,” Flanery said. “It is an incredibly important time for the City of Louisville and the Commonwealth of Kentucky both culturally, economically and with respect to our time-honored traditions. Both employees and guests are asked to take an active role in following all guidelines. We must all do our part to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.”

Tickets purchased for the Derby's original dates are automatically valid for the September date. Ticketholders may bring their online or printed tickets to be scanned on the day of for entry. For those unable to attend the new date, more information is online. Churchill Downs is unable to process refunds for tickets purchased from a secondary market.

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