LEXINGTON,Ky.- Keeneland is gearing up for the Kentucky Derby on Saturday and is expecting over 15,000 people to come and enjoy the horse racing. 

What You Need To Know

  • Keeneland is expecting nearly 15,000 people in attendance on Saturday

  • Keeneland will be a full capacity, the first time since the pandemic

  • The gates will open at 10 Saturday morning

  • They recommend purchasing tickets in advance

For 11 years, Kara Heissenbuttel has been overseeing the preparations for the Derby at Keeneland.

“Since we don’t have horses on the ground, we get to put up the stage in the paddock and have live music which is so fun,” Heissenbuttel said.

Heissenbuttel says for the first time since the pandemic, Keeneland will be at full capacity on Saturday.

“While small crowds are more manageable for us, we really thrive when our fans are here in large crowds, the excitement and the energy is here,” Heissenbuttel said.

And as a Kentuckian, Heissenbuttel says there’s just something about being there in person and holding a Derby ticket in your hand. 

“You just get excited for the whole world to be watching what’s happening here whether it’s at Keeneland or down the road at Churchill Downs, but it’s just a great day for our sport,” Heissenbuttel said.

Coming off of Spring Meet, Heissenbuttel says there are some opportunities that are unique to the Keeneland experience. 

“We set up the picnic tables in the walking ring and saddling paddock, and just to be able to be in that exclusive area is something you can’t do on a race day,” Heissenbuttel said.

Continuing a Lexington tradition, Heissenbuttel says the staff is ready to enjoy some horse racing. 

Gates open at 10 A.M. on Saturday for the Derby and Keeneland says even though they will be at full capacity, they are recommending purchasing tickets in advance. 

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