LEXINGTON, Ky. — This time of year thoughts always turn to horseracing. Keeneland is gearing up for the upcoming Spring Meet, which will be held April 7-28. 

Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 9 a.m. ET and several options will be available for fans. Dining, Grandstand reserved seating and General admission tickets will be available and have to be pre-purchased from Keeneland’s online ticket office.

“Thanks to our equine community, including our fans, Keeneland enjoyed a historic racing year in 2022, and we are excited to continue to build on that momentum,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “The Keeneland team is busy finalizing plans for the spring, and we can’t wait to welcome guests in just a few short weeks for what we know will be a terrific racing season.”

Racing for the 15-day Spring Meet takes place Wednesday through Sundays, except Easter Sunday, April 9. Daily post time is 1 p.m. Keeneland is handing out a record $8.05 million for 19 stakes this season, starting with the $600,000 Central Bank Ashland (G1) and the $1 million Toyota Blue Grass (G1) on the opening weekend. These two stakes are major targets for the nation’s top 3-year-olds which are racing to make it to horse racing’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby.

New this season at Keeneland is tailgating on the Hill. Keeneland is expanding the traditional Friday/Saturday schedule to include Sundays during the Spring Meet. 

Tickets and reservations are not required for the tailgate. Fans on The Hill can watch racing action via a jumbo TV and place bets at a wagering tent. Live music and food trucks will also be part of the tailgating experience.

Since the Kentucky Derby is soon after Keeneland’s Spring Meet, the track is also going to sell tickets for its Derby Day events. Keeneland will sell General Admission and Equestrian Room dining tickets for Saturday, May 6. Tickets are available for pre-purchase online.

The Hill will be open on Derby Day for tailgating and fans can plan their Derby parties with an elevated tailgate package through RevelXP. You can visit Keeneland’s tailgating section online to learn more.

Keeneland shared some points for fans before buying tickets. The track suggests:

• Plan ahead: Demand for tickets is expected to be high, and fans are encouraged to browse ticket options, pricing and the process to purchase in advance  
• Buy tickets in advance: All Dining, Grandstand and General Admission tickets must be purchased in advance for easy entry and to ensure attendance on preferred dates because tickets sell out. Fans cannot use case or make walk-up purchases at the main gates on race days. Season passes, which offer General Admission to the meet, are available for purchase prior to opening day.
•  Check availability during the meet: Keeneland offers a return policy of up to 48 hours in advance of race day. Keeneland’s ticket inventory is automatically updated and tickets are available for purchase online.